GLENDALE, Ariz. -- A few thoughts on the Arizona Cardinals’ 31-14 win over the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium.
What it means: Sunday’s win was an example of everything that’s made this team 8-1 and everything that could limit the Cardinals from making a deep run into January. The defense continued to establish itself, coming away with two interceptions -- one returned for a touchdown -- and a scoop-and-score just in the fourth quarter alone. The final 15 minutes have been when the Cardinals step up. But it was in the fourth quarter when Arizona’s playoff chances took a hit when quarterback Carson Palmer went down with a left knee injury. Drew Stanton came in and gave the Cards a 17-14 lead with a 48-yard touchdown pass to a diving John Brown which changed the momentum.
Stock watch: Calais Campbell has been back from a knee injury for a few weeks but he finally broke out Sunday. The veteran defensive end had two sacks -- his first since Week 2. His second sack was the first in a string of game-changing plays that included Palmer’s knee injury.
Cold blooded: With Palmer out of the game, all Stanton did was come in and give the Cardinals the lead and spark them to the win. But at this point, what Stanton is capable of isn’t a surprise. He showed during the three games he started in Palmer’s previous absence that ice water runs through his veins. He stepped in for Palmer in one of the worst possible scenarios on Sunday -- in the fourth quarter with his team trailing -- and completed all three of his passes on his first drive and ran for another 4 yards. But his 48-yard pass to a diving Brown was the turning point Sunday.
Game ball: Patrick Peterson came into Sunday’s game against the Rams without an interception this season. He finished with two, including the first interception return for a touchdown of his career.
What’s next: The Cardinals host the Detroit Lions at 4:25 p.m. ET next Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium.
