The Falcons started off the third quarter with the ball, the lead, and a chance to build up a two-score lead. But it was the Cardinals getting on the board early. They disrupted an exchange between Matt Ryan and Michael Turner on the first play from scrimmage. Antrel Rolle picked up the loose ball and went untouched into the end zone to give Arizona the lead back at 21-17.
Penalties thwarted Atlanta’s next drive. And the Cardinals got the ball at the Atlanta 38-yard line after Thomas DeCoud was whistled for interfering with Steve Breaston on the following punt.
But the Cardinals couldn’t capitalize. After a five-yard run from James, Warner threw incomplete in Larry Fitzgerald’s direction twice. Neil Rackers’ 51-yard field goal hooked wide left.
But Roddy White couldn’t haul in a pass on third-and-five, and Arizona got the ball right back.
Known almost exclusively for their passing game, the Cards pounded the football with Edgerrin James. They ran the ball eight times, driving 76 yards en route to a 4-yard run over left end from Tim Hightower to give the home side a 28-17 lead with 2:48 remaining in the third quarter.
Then Antonio Rogers-Cromartie intercepted a deep ball intended for Roddy White on the next drive at his own 38.
MY THOUGHTS
I said that the first drive of the second half was going to be crucial. But that isn’t exactly what I had in mind. You have to be troubled with the way that this team started the first and second halves of play. There was a chance to take the crowd out of the game and get Arizona up against the ropes, but that opportunity quickly went by the wayside after the fumble return by Rolle. That play has completely changed the game, and the birds have looked lost ever since.
Michael Koenen has been amongst the best punters in the league this year. But he missed a big opportunity to pin Arizona back deep in their own territory on the Cards’ first offensive scoring drive of the half. Punting from near midfield, he shanked the attempt and ‘Zona started off with plenty of breathing room at their own 24. They were in the end zone soon after to take a 28-17 lead.
Someone is going to have to explain to me why Ken Whisenhunt’s offense hasn’t been running the ball. Edgerrin James looks sharp, displaying great field vision and providing the offense with a work horse. Arizona’s offense has had the most success when they’ve mixed in the run a little bit. And the Falcons D have been taken out of the game when Arizona has worked the ground game.
This one could have been all but over after the Rogers-Cromartie interception. But the Atlanta defense stepped up big time by forcing a three-and-out around close to midfield.
Atlanta team started off poorly in the first half, too before finishing strong. They’ll need another strong finish over the next 15 minutes if they want to keep the season alive.
Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
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