Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown past Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi (91) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
The Arizona Cardinals fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in a close one on Sunday. KC came out on top 26-14 after gaining momentum in the fourth quarter to shut down the Cardinals. The Cards are now 2-7 in 2018.
Here are some notes from Sunday’s action:
Improvements
A loss is a loss, and while there were some mistakes made late in the game that were costly, the Cardinals hung with one of the best teams in the NFL all game in Kansas City.
The Cards’ defense was able to put the pressure on Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes sacking him five times and limiting the Chiefs offense to 26 points, their fewest in 2018.
In the third quarter, Arizona was able to hold off their opponent for the first time all season, outscoring KC 7-0.
Johnson has best game of season
The Cardinals two scoring drives both came on the first drive of each half on Sunday. Both TDs were by David Johnson, the first a nine yard dump pass from Josh Rosen, the second a short rushing TD.
Johnson totaled 183 yards, rushing for 98 yards on 22 carries and had seven catches for 85 yards.
We've scored a TD on our opening drive in both halves today!@DavidJohnson31 punches this one in for the score! pic.twitter.com/Trt0NoaLd9
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 11, 2018
Johnson now has 30 career rushing touchdowns. He has reached the milestone in 19 fewer games than any other player in Cards’ franchise history. He also has 42 career touchdowns in his 42 games played. He has reached that mark in 13 fewer games than any other player in Cards’ franchise history as well. The previous record was held by John David Crow who surparssed 40 career TDs in 53 games.
Fitzgerald 2nd All-Time Career Receiving Yards
Larry Fitzgerald had six catches for 50 yards on Sunday, surpassing Terrell Owens for second all-time in career receiving yards in the NFL. Jerry Rice holds the all-time record with 22,895.
He will tell you milestones aren't important, but there is no denying the impressiveness of this one!
Congrats to @LarryFitzgerald! pic.twitter.com/4pQCSsRRC2
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 11, 2018
Guard Injuries
The Cardinals were down one starting guard coming in to Sunday’s game with Mike Iupati inactive because of a back injury. In the third quarter against the Chiefs, Justin Pugh left the game with a left knee injury and did not return.
RG Justin Pugh leaves with a left leg injury. Oday Aboushi now in. That's two backups playing guard spots for the Cards today.
— Bob McManaman (@azbobbymac) November 11, 2018
Next up…
The Cardinals are back home next week taking on the Raiders (1-7) at State Farm Stadium.
