The Arizona Cardinals pulled off a dramatic 34-33 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, giving them their second consecutive win. They had strong performances from many players. Not every one played well.
Who were the studs and duds from the game?
Stud: Kyler Murray
He was a stud on Sunday. He did not turn the ball over and he was not sacked. He completed 27-of-37 passes for 340 yards and a career-high three touchdowns. He also rushed for 32 yards. He remained calm in a crazy game and made plays, including the victory-clinching five-yard run in the final two minutes to get a first down, allowing them to run out the clock.
Dud: DC Vance Joseph
The Cardinals defense almost gave up a 17-point second-half lead. The Cardinals defense could do nothing to stop the Falcons. Players weren’t making plays but ultimately it is about Joseph’s scheme and the defensive unit is statistically one of the worst in the league again.
Stud: Overall David Johnson
Johnson had 102 yards from scrimmage, the fourth time in six games he has had at least 100 scrimmage yards in six games. He scored twice. He had six catches for 68 yards. He was a big part of the offensive success they had.
Dud: David Johnson in the running game
Johnson had 34 yards on 12 carries. 17 came on one run. That means he had 17 yards on the other 11 carries. There wasn’t a problem with his running style but the production was there.
Stud: Chase Edmonds
Edmonds was impactful again. In 20 snaps, he five rushed for 34 yards and two catches for 33 yards and a touchdown. 20 snaps, seven touches, 67 yards and a score.
Dud: Haason Reddick
Reddick had eight tackles and a tackle for loss, but he was often assigned to cover tight end Austin Hooper or running back Devonta Freeman. Hooper had eight catches for 117 yards and a score. Freeman had three catches for 30 yards and scored two touchdowns. Reddick’s strength is supposedly in his ability to cover. He didn’t do it well on Sunday.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
