Arizona Cardinals Defeat St. Louis Rams 19-13 On Patrick Peterson Punt Return In Overtime

In a game full of mediocre play and wacky scoring methods, the Arizona Cardinals were able to register their second win of the season, leaving the St. Louis Rams in last place in the NFC West. After a blocked field goal led to a 13-13 tie in regulation, the game went to overtime where rookie Patrick Peterson was able to take a punt return back for 99 yards to seal the victory. 

Hit the jump to see some of the highlights and details of the game. 

The first half was ugly for both teams. Beanie Wells was held to just two yards rushing on seven attempts and the Cardinals only had three points going into the locker room. John Skelton, the starting quarterback for the Cardinals, was unable to move the offense, despite finding his favorite target Andre Roberts multiple times. The Rams, meanwhile, were only able to get field goals and settled for a 9-3 lead heading into the second half. 

During the third quarter, the Rams scored four total points due to two consecutive safeties on Skelton. The Cardinals were unable to get much production on the ground, but the defense tightened up, leaving the Cardinals at a 13-6 deficit heading into the final 15 minutes. 

The fourth quarter is where Arizona made it's comeback. Skelton was able to lead the Cardinals on an 84-yard drive, hitting Larry Fitzgerald in the end zone to tie the game at 13 all. But as the Cardinals have done so many times this season, they let their opponent drive down the field to get back into scoring position. The Rams were forced into a fourth down situation while in field goal range when coach Steve Spagnuolo decided to go for it. The Cardinals stuffed Steven Jackson on an outside run and took over from there. 

The Cards were unable to do anything after getting the turnover and were forced to punt. This is where the fun began. The Rams were able to create another big drive, setting them up for the game winning field goal from 42 yards out. Fortunately for the Cardinals, they have a 6'8" defensive end named Calais Campbell that has a knack for blocking field goals. He did just that, sending the game into overtime. 

The Rams won the coin toss in overtime and elected to receive, but were forced to punt after failing to put themselves back into a position to win. From there, it's all history. 

Punter Donnie Jones kicked the ball to cornerback Patrick Peterson, who took it from the one yard line and ran it all the way back for a 99-yard return to end the game. Peterson now owns the franchise record for longest punt return and he has tied the franchise record for most punt returns in a season with three. 

Key Players:

In Sam Bradford's return from a high ankle sprain injury, he was able to put together a fairly respectable game. He threw for 255 yards and an interception, but wasn't able to record a touchdown. 

Steven Jackson was a monster throughout the game, rushing for 130 yards on 29 attempts. 

Skelton was forced into action because of Kevin Kolb's turf toe injury and all he pretty much did was solidify the starting job for Kolb. Skelton passed for 222 yards and a TD, but was ineffective for most of the game. However, he did lead the team in rushing yards with 38 yards. 

Calais Campbell and Sam Acho were the big players on defense, registering 1.5 and 1.0 sacks respectively. Campbell also had the game saving field goal block to go with his monster day. 

And then there was Patrick Peterson with his magical play. 

The Rams fall to 1-7 and last place in the NFC West, while the Cardinals break their six game losing streak, giving them a record of 2-6.