Cardinals struggle against Bengals, fall at home: By The Numbers

The Arizona Cardinals on Sunday looked a different team than the last one which showed in red at University of Phoenix Stadium — the one that routed the Houston Texans 32-0.

The offense looked out of synch against a stifling Cincinnati Bengals defense, with Carson Palmer on several occasions missing his targets entirely. The Cardinals quarterback was fortunate to not have thrown three interceptions in his 19 pass attempts, though he did throw one for a pick-six.

But the skill players had their moments to shine, with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald reeling in a few catches for 71 yards, Andre Ellington getting an uptick in carries and budding star John Brown catching four balls, including one for a touchdown.

The Cardinals defense, too, did well to limit Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and his many weapons, including star receiver A.J. Green.

Though quarterback Drew Stanton showed well in the second half, he didn’t get enough snaps to lead the Cardinals to a win, with Logan Thomas entering the game in the fourth quarter and struggling to produce.

Here’s a look at the 19-13 loss, by the numbers:

2

Logan Thomas fared far worse than in his preseason debut, completing just 2 of 7 pass attempts Sunday, while throwing an interception and taking a sack.

6

The Cardinals managed just one touchdown Sunday, though scoring three in their first preseason game and four in their second.

8

John Brown was again heavily targeted by Cardinals quarterbacks Sunday, having a team-high eight balls thrown his way. He caught four of those for 56 yards and a spectacular touchdown.

9

Andre Ellington finally got more carries Sunday, when he picked up 46 yards on nine carries. In the previous two preseason games combined, the second-year back was only given the ball four times. One of Ellington’s carries Sunday went for 24 yards.

10

Drew Stanton looked solid yet again for the Cardinals, completing 10 of his 13 pass attempts while accumulating 108 yards and a touchdown, all coming in the third quarter.

23.7

Fitzgerald had his best preseason showing yet, logging 71 yards on three receptions — good for an average of 23.7 yards per catch.

48

In the midst of a position battle at kicker, Jay Feely missed his first field goal attempt, which came from 48 yards out.

266

Dave Zastudil logged 266 yards punting on six punts Sunday, including three within the 20-yard line and a long punt of 56 yards.

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