Arizona Cardinals (1-7) – Baltimore Ravens (6-2): 24-31
If the Ravens’ offense is formidable this season, Baltimore remains a franchise that by nature loves defense. It was the defenders who built the victory in this match, only causing 2 ball losses. Geno Stone and Michael Pierce led the charge, giving Joshua Dobbs a nightmare (25/37, 208 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT). If Arizona will score points at the end of the match, the awakening was too late after only 7 points in the first 50 minutes. Once again the Cardinals were valiant, but that was not enough.
Lamar Jackson (18/27, 157 yards, 1 TD) didn’t shine, but he did the bare minimum to win, not making any mistakes. Gus Edwards (80 yards, 3 TD) for his part took care of the games in the red zone to improve the work of the defense. The offense came back to life late in the game when the team needed it.
With this victory Baltimore is more than ever in the race for the playoffs in the AFC.
Lightning in Arizona then night
In the first drive of the game, Arizona seemed to get the job done on offense. Twelve plays, 75 yards and 7 minutes, ending with a tush push from Josh Dobbs for the opening score (7-0). This good start will ultimately only be an illusion, since these are the only points scored by the Cardinals in the first act.
Baltimore will respond quickly, with a touchdown from Lamar Jackson for Mark Andrews (7-7). The attack, however, does not find rhythm, and Justin Tucker misses an affordable field goal to take off. It is at this moment that the defense will intervene with an interception of Brandon Stephens, Gus Edwards taking advantage to score his first touchdown of the evening (7-14).
A return for nothing
Again. In the third quarter the defense caused a loss of ball, an interception by the inevitable Geno Stone. Gus Edwards takes advantage again, and the gap grows (7-21). Emari Demercado (78 yards) tries to energize the attack on the ground, but in the air it is much more complicated.
Baltimore procrastinates, and falls asleep a little, forgetting to finish the match. Josh Dobbs takes advantage, finding Tre McBride (73 yards, 1 TD) for the touchdown of hope (15-21). It is at this moment that the Baltimore attack wakes up, achieving the drive that the team needs, taking advantage of the indiscipline of the Arizona defense. Gus Edwards concludes his match with another touchdown to confirm the victory (15-31).
For the honor, Marquise Brown (29 yards, 1 TD) will score one last touchdown, before a field goal following a successful onside kick (24-31). Magnificent return but useless to change the final result.
