Big plays lead Arizona Cardinals to 6-1 record: By the Numbers

The Arizona Cardinals came into Week 8 looking for national respect. After a 24-20 win over the 5-1 Philadelphia Eagles, they may finally get it.

Huge catches by Larry Fitzgerald and John Brown propelled the Cardinals to their first 6-1 start since the team landed in the desert.

An 80-yard touchdown grab by Fitzgerald to begin the second half gave the Cardinals their first lead of the game. A 75-yard touchdown catch by Brown gave Arizona a lead they would never relinquish.

By no means was it an easy win — the Eagles had multiple shots at the end zone before time expired. Philadelphia even caught one of them, but Jordan Matthews couldn’t keep his feet inbounds.

Arizona has opened up a two-game lead on the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West.

Here’s a look at the Cardinals’ victory by the numbers:

40

The Cardinals improve to 6-1, their best record through seven games in 40 years. The 1974 St. Louis Cardinals began their season 7-0.

80

Larry Fitzgerald opened the second half with the longest touchdown catch of his career — an 80-yard TD pass to put the Cardinals up 14-7. His previous career high was a 78-yarder during the 2008 season.

301

Number of days since Fitzgerald’s last 100-yard game. He had 160 yards on Sunday.

+2

Arizona was +2 in turnover differential, intercepting the ball twice and forcing a fumble. The Eagles have caused a turnover in 19 straight games after forcing a Cardinals fumble in the third quarter.

2

Number of interceptions by Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie. It was the sixth multi-interception game of his career and first since Sept. 18, 2011 as a member of the New York Jets.

1st (Part I)

Cardinals first round draft pick Deone Bucannon recovered a fumble in the second quarter, creating a turnover for the first time in his career.

1st (Part II)

The Cardinals allowed 100 yards rushing for the first time this season. Philadelphia ran for 110 yards, 83 of them from LeSean McCoy.

0

Number of combined sacks between the Cardinals and Eagles despite 104 total pass attempts.

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