It goes without saying in a 40-17 win a team played well. The same applies to the Arizona Cardinals for their Week 15 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Pro Football Focus released its gradebook for the Cardinals and the trend was one of solid play.
Quarterback Carson Palmer, despite only throwing one touchdown in the game, earned his highest grade of any game this season. His throws were fantastic and he was hurt by five drops by his receivers.
Run blocking went well. Every offensive lineman earned a positive grade. Guard Mike Iupati received a +2.9 and tight end Darren Fells a +4.8, the highest grades in run blocking.
Of course, it helped that David Johnson was great. Of his 187 rushing yards, 125 came after contact and he forced seven missed tackles.
Pass protection was still more of an issue than the running game. Palmer was under pressure in 12 of his 34 dropbacks and was sacked twice. However, backup center A.Q. Shipley, who started in place of Lyle Sendlein, fared well, allowing a sack, but no other pressures.