The Arizona Cardinals found themselves in early holes in their last two games and weren't good enough to climb out. On the road against the Baltimore Ravens they were able to reverse that trend and score first to take an early 3-0 lead. At the end of the first quarter, the Ravens got their offense moving on the ground and tied the game early in the second quarter.
The Arizona Cardinals offense at least showed some signs of life on their first possession. They recorded three first downs and stayed on the field for nine plays and over five minutes which was good to see. On the down side, Kolb was sacked twice and hit hard at least three times.
Beanie Wells started the game and had a few nice runs which was good to see. Perhaps even better, Ken Whisenhunt used all of his backs and gave to ball to both Chester Taylor and Alfonso Smith. Wells can't be asked to play every down and Taylor and Smith, along wit the speedy LaRod Stephens-Howling, give a different look in protection and the passing game.
On their second possession, the Cardinals did a great job running the ball to set up a quick slant from Kolb to Larry Fitzgerald that went for 66 yards. That was the longest play allowed this season by the Raven defense.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals were stuffed in the red zone with a rush that went nowhere, a high pass that maybe could have been caught be Early Doucet and sack. On third down, LT Levi Brown got completely abused by Terrell Suggs who got to Kolb in a flash. The Cardinals had to settle for three points to get on the board first.
In a game where Ravens QB Joe Flacco looks completely inaccurate (3-8), the Cardinals defense hasn't been able to contain the run. They gave up 70 yards on the ground already but were at least able to hold Baltimore to a game-tying field goal in the red zone.
The Cardinals defense hasn't got pressure on Flacco on the few times he dropped back and more importantly have been burned with back side cuts by Ray Rice who has 46 yards on 10 carries. Adrian Wilson dropped an interception that could have gone 100 yards for a TD. Plays have to be made.
Overall though, a positive start for Arizona.