J.J. Nelson ties Cardinals with Bengals on 64-yard TD grab

Nov 22, 2015, 8:52 PM

ArizonaSports.com lead editor

Rookie receiver J.J. Nelson only had three catches to his name coming into the Cardinals’ Sunday showdown against the Bengals.

Just guessing here, but Nelson’s highlight-per-reception ratio is leading the NFL.

Remember that time in the preseason where he somehow over-ran a ball that Carson Palmer and everyone else thought was over-thrown? How about his first regular season catch, a one-handed grab against the Browns?

Then we have this 64-yard catch that gave Arizona a 14-all tie with Cincinnati on Sunday night.

Watch this 64-yard TD to J.J. Nelson and answer: Does anyone throw a better deep ball than Carson Palmer? #CINvsAZ https://t.co/UXj3HihByH

— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2015

Palmer found himself sitting in a pocket off of play-action and having enough time to unload the deep ball, but it’s Nelson’s speed that allows him to find separation so deep down the field. This time around, the catch was an easy one.

I can watch it ALL day. MT @AZCardinals: J.J. Nelson sped past the defense for tying score. Watch it again! #CINvsAZ pic.twitter.com/zd3TDGvAah — Jim Sharpe ن (@JimSharpe) November 23, 2015

The next drive, Arizona would score a go-ahead touchdown on a reception by John Brown, again displaying the Cardinals’ versatility in the passing game.

Even without Michael Floyd, who was out with a hamstring injury, the offense thrived aside from Palmer getting a few picks out of his system in the first half.

Rookie running back David Johnson caught a pass that put Arizona ahead 28-14 in the third quarter, and tight end Darren Fells was on the receiving end of the Cardinals’ first touchdown. He grabbed a Palmer toss in the corner of the end zone, out-jumping the smaller Bengal defensive backs to get the job done.

FACT: Darren Fells didn’t even play college football. He did play on the basketball team tho. #CINvsAZ pic.twitter.com/v9tuAwd4Rm

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) November 23, 2015

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Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) is hit by Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) tumbles in the end zone after scoring a touchdown as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard, right, falls backwards during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) celebrates his touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) rides an exercise bike during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson (14) celebrates his touchdown with Darren Fells (85) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws to teammate Giovani Bernard (25) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson (14) makes a touchdown catch as Cincinnati Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson (20) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon Tate (19) is hit by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) celebrates a stop against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals fans cheer during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis yells during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis discuss a call during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians talks with referee Terry McAulay (77) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) and defensive end Wallace Gilberry (95) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) spikes the football after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals tight end Darren Fells (85) celebrates his touchdown with Bobby Massie (70) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) celebrates his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals tight end Darren Fells (85) pulls in a touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Shawn Williams (36) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Rodney Gunter (95) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) eludes the reach of Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Alex Okafor (57) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert, left, scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Cincinnati Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson (20) is hit by Arizona Cardinals center Lyle Sendlein (63) and tight end Jermaine Gresham (84) after an interception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Leon Hall (29) intercepts a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Frostee Rucker (92) and linnebacker Kevin Minter (51) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Leon Hall (29) intercepts a pass intended fro Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a catch as Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals free safety Rashad Johnson (26) and defensive end Calais Campbell (93) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, left, and Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians talk prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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