Playing on the road in Oakland, Arizona took an early 14-0 lead and never relinquished it, though the Raiders threatened with 13 unanswered points in the second and third quarters. However, the Cardinals responded with 10 points of their own over the last quarter and a half, highlighted by a clock-killing drive of more than seven minutes in the fourth quarter.
With the win, Arizona remains atop the NFC West at 5-1, while Oakland has yet to win a game this season, though they appear to be getting closer and have a shot against the Browns next week, a team that just gave Jacksonville their first win.
Arizona Cardinals – Performances of Note
Sam Acho, LB: +2.3
Breakdown: Coming in at +1.5 or better in consecutive weeks, Acho notched three pressures, three defensive stops, and a batted pass in 34 snaps.
Signature Play: 1Q, 9:09. With the Raiders trying to set up a screen on third down, Acho reacted quickly, getting his hands up to knock down the pass and force a punt.
John Carlson, TE: -3.6
Breakdown: Carlson’s been in the red all season and this game was no different as he struggled to generate any movement at the point of attack, losing repeatedly to linebacker Khalil Mack. He also experienced an unfortunate bounce in the passing game, tipping an overthrown ball right to Charles Woodson for Oakland’s lone interception (2Q, 1:51).
Signature Play: 4Q, 1:17. Bulled back 4 yards into the backfield and shed inside by Mack for the tackle.
Ed Stinson, DL: +2.1
Breakdown: Another rotational player doing well in limited snaps, Stinson had success against the right side of Oakland’s line, picking up two stops in run defense and a pair of pressures.
Signature Play: 3Q, 8:10. Easily rounded Austin Howard, slapping away the guard’s attempt to engage, though wasn’t fast enough to affect the quarterback with a quick release.
Oakland Raiders – Performances of Note
Khalil Mack, LB: +2.3
Breakdown: A weekly occurrence, Mack failed to generate much pressure, but more than made up for it in run defense with a combination of power and inside moves. With a team-high six defensive stops, it’s hard not to believe his play in the run game won’t eventually translate into a pass rush.
Signature Play: TE Rob Housler provided little resistance as Mack got outside to take down the rusher for a loss.
Tarell Brown, CB: -2.9
Breakdown: Giving Palmer a near-perfect QB rating on throws into his coverage, Brown surrendered a pair of first downs and a touchdown. Also picked up an illegal contact penalty (albeit somewhat harsh), nullifying an incomplete pass and giving Arizona a first down.
Signature Play: 2Q, 5:44. Despite good position on the play, Brown failed to make a play on the ball and instead ended the play on the ground as Michael Floyd made his way into the end zone.
Derek Carr, QB: +1.3
Breakdown: Much better taking care of the ball in recent weeks with only a few misfires in this one, but received little help in the run game and couldn’t generate enough offense to keep up with Arizona.
Signature Plays: 2Q 3:38 and 3:31. Tough to find a better pair of throws than Carr made on consecutive plays in the second quarter, the first finding his target against close coverage, though Andre Holmes couldn’t hang on as he went to the ground. And on the second, he hit his receiver in stride more than 40 yards downfield, setting up first-and-goal.
PFF Game Ball
This one goes to the entire Arizona offensive line with four of five starters grading above +1.0, while Carson Palmer faced pressure on less than 20% of his drop-backs.
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