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Final Score
Arizona Cardinals 14-14-14-6 — 48
Chicago Bears 7-13-3-0— 23
The Arizona Cardinals improved to 2-0 with a 48-23 rout of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday afternoon. Carson Palmer threw four touchdowns in the win, including three to Larry Fitzgerald.
Though Arizona put up a huge total, it didn’t do it by driving up and down the field. Chicago name numerous mistakes, threw a pick-six and only hit the 300-total-yard mark until the final moments.
The Bears lost Jay Cutler to injury midway though the game while throwing an interception; Jimmy Clausen came in relief of Cutler and was unable to drive the offense.
Check below for stats and highlights of the game:
Key Stats
Carson Palmer (ARI): 17-for-24, 185 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
Larry Fitzgerald (ARI): 8 catches, 112 yards 3 TD
Chris Johnson (ARI): 20 carries, 72 yards
David Johnson (ARI): 5 carries, 42 yards, 1 TD, 108 yard kick return TD
Jay Cutler (CHI): 8-for-9, 120 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Jimmy Clausen (CHI): 14-for-23 yards, 121 yards, 1 INT
Matt Forte (CHI): 15 carries, 61 yards
David Johnson Returned the Opening Kickoff 108 Yards for a Touchdown
The Cardinals got off to the perfect start when electrifying rookie David Johnson took the opening kickoff all the way back for a touchdown. Johnson, who had the game-clinching touchdown last week against the Saints, gave Arizona an early 7-0 lead.
Cutler Was Perfect Early, Bears Tied Game at 7-7
Jay Cutler didn’t miss early, and this long touchdown pass to Josh Bellamy tied the game at 7-7 late in the first quarter.
The Cardinals Re-Took the Lead Late in the First
Carson Palmer threw a short touchdown pass to Jaron Brown late in the first quarter, giving the Cardinals a 14-7 lead. The touchdown was the fourth for Brown in his career.
Larry Fitzgerald Caught a Touchdown Pass From Palmer
Palmer threw his second short touchdown pass of the half, this time to veteran Larry Fitzgerald for the score to make the score 21-14 Cardinals. It was Fitzgerald’s 90th touchdown reception in his likely hall of fame career.
Jay Cutler Got Injured While Throwing an Interception
Insert joke here.
Cutler was 8-for-8 when he threw this interception to Tony Jefferson, but on the return he injured his arm and had to leave the game. Jefferson rank back the pick for a score to give Arizona a 28-17 lead.
Robbie Gould kicked a field goal before halftime to make it 28-20. Despite allowing just 108 yards of total offense, Chicago has yielded 28 points before the half.
Cutler exited the game and did not return. Jimmy Clausen played the rest of the game for Chicago.
Larry Fitzgerald Caught Another Touchdown Pass in the 3rd Quarter
Palmer’s third touchdown pass went to Fitzgerald, this one for 28 yards to make the score 35-20. It was an incredible catch by Fitzgerald, who was interfered with by the linebacker on the long throw.
The short field was up by a Jimmy Clausen interception.
Johnson Added a Rushing Touchdown to Increase Arizona’s Lead
After the Cardinals defense forced a three-and-out, David Johnson continued his positive day with a 13-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to push Arizona’s lead to 42-20.
Fitzgerald Got his 3rd Touchdown of the Game for Arizona
Fitzgerald wrapped his huge day and Arizona’s win with an all-effort short touchdown to increase the Cardinals lead to 48-23
Preview: Cardinals Look to Improve to 2-0
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Injuries are beginning to take their toll on both the Cardinals and Bears as they square off in Week 2 action on Sunday. Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee is active for the game, but wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will miss the matchup.
The loss of Jeffery is another blow to the Bears receiving corps. With rookie first rounder Kevin White is out for the foreseeable future, Chicago is reduced to Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson at the position.
For the Cardinals, their running game will be hampered by the absence of running back Andre Ellington and guard Mike Iupati.
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