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The Arizona Cardinals clinched a win at home against the previously 7-2, Detroit Lions on Sunday. The Cardinal retain the best record in the NFL and stand proudly at the top of the NFC West.
Many of the Cardinals had great performances in the 14-6 win. However, a few stood out to us especially. Here are our nominees for player of the game:
1. Drew Stanton:
Arguably the most talked about player of the week, Drew was the "next-man-up" and he showed up. With over 300 passing yards and two early touchdown passes, he told his entire team that Carson Palmer's ACL tear does not change anything. Sure, Stanton struggled a bit more after the first quarter throwing two interceptions. Yet, it was his confidence in the pocket and under pressure the lead the Cardinals to their victory.
2. Michael Floyd:
The third-year wide receiver has been a little slow since the Cardinals bye week picking up an average of 25 yards in the past six games. It was especially tough to predict how the receivers would adjust to a new quarterback. Floyd must have studied up after making an early spectacular 42-yard touchdown catch and caught the only other Cardinals touchdown almost immediately after. Floyd only had those two catches but they were also the only points the Cardinals put on the board.
3. Patrick Peterson:
Calvin Johnson vs. Patrick Peterson, one of the greatest match-ups in the NFL, did not disappoint. Megatron was coming off his greatest game since week one and Patrick Peterson did his job. Johnson was held to under 60-yards with only 5 receptions.
4. The Defensive Unit:
With the entire NFL focusing on how the Cardinals offense was going to perform they managed to overlook the real game winner: the defense. Matt Stafford was held under 200 passing yards and was under constant pressure by the defensive line that blitzed nearly every other play. The Cards recorded 4 sacks (2 by Alex Okafor), forced a fumble, and caused an interception. If those statistics aren't enough take a look at this one: no touchdowns.
So who do you think was the player of the game? Cast your vote! Someone we forgot? Leave a comment below!