Arizona Cardinals/Oakland Raiders Cardinals Play Of The Game

It seems all the Arizona Cardinals needed to turn their fortunes around was a trip back home. Hosting the Oakland Raiders, the Cards did some good things on the field in all phases of play, and it translated into a win for the #Birdgang nation.

I've grabbed a few plays that stood out, hit the jump to see which made my list.

Points on the board. Those numbers win games folks. Just ask Ryan Williams, as he made the list with his three yard push into the end zone, following FB Anthony Sherman who blew someone up in the hole. It capped off a nice first possession drive where Williams displayed his vision, sped, and explosiveness.

Turnovers. Those precious opportunities that make a defensive coordinator rub his hands together with glee. The Cardinals were ball-hawks last night, Kerry Rhodes starting things off with his interception of Carson Palmer and then adding sixty yards of return. Wolf jinxed Rhodes by saying he could go all the way, and Rod Streater pulled him down from behind at the five yard line.

One superstar in the making, one having a career resurgence. ILBs Daryl Washington and Stewart Bradley teamed up to make the list with this bit of action. Raiders RB Mike Goodson is running off the right tackle. DWash gets his hand on the ball, pushing it out and Bradley comes out of the scrum with ball in hand, putting the offense in business on the Raiders 23 yard line.

Again with points. Makes winning easier. Points off turnovers make head coaches sleep well. So to oblige, John Skelton and the Shermanator hook up on a wonderfully called and executed play. (I have to say, I disagree with the play calling often, but then they roll out gems like this) Three yards out, the Shermanator leads a off tackle right play action fake and then catches the ball in the end zone. Best part of it was Rolando McClain realizing at the last moment that he'd bit.

Have I mentioned points yet? Makes winning easier when you have them. And Justin Bethel may be the steal of the draft. He came hard off the edge and got his hands on the ball just as P Marquette King put his toe to it. That right there is a nice play. Then he locates the ball, scoops it up, and heads nineteen yards for the end zone. Just wow.

This next player got the Larry Fitzgerald stamp of approval atop his helmet for running hard. William Powell then added to his night with a race to the corner for a nine yard touchdown off left tackle. On display during the drive was a stable of neat moves, great vision, and a nose for the end zone.

After review, my play of the game award goes to Justin Bethel for his punt block and subsequent score. Great effort, good hustle, and way to know where the ball is. Like I said above, he may be the steal of the draft. What is your play of the game?

And tune in next week Thursday as the Cards head back east to visit the Tennessee Titans.