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CARDINALS WIN! 3 big takeaways from victory over Titans

CARDINALS WIN! 3 big takeaways from victory over Titans
Posted at 5:12 PM, Dec 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-10 23:44:22-05

In a game in which quarterback Blaine Gabbert didn't play his best game and was sacked eight times, the Arizona Cardinals relied on outstanding defense and a gritty running game to earn their sixth win of the season.

The Cards improved to 6-7 by rallying to beat the Tennessee Titans 12-7 on Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium. The loss dropped the Titans to 8-5 on the year.

Here are three big takeaways from the Cards' victory.

1. Defense does its job, and then some

What a defensive performance on Sunday by the Cardinals. They picked off quarterback Marcus Mariota (who admittedly did NOT have his best day) twice in the second half and recorded three sacks. They held the Titans to just 204 yards of total offense.

The Cardinals will need a similar performance when they take on the Redskins on the road next weekend.

2. Kerwynn carries the Cards

For the second straight game, backup running back Kerwynn Williams played well in Adrian Peterson's absence. After recording 97 rushing yards last season, he grinded out 73 yards on 20 carries against a Titans defense that was averaging under 70 rushing yards allowed in their last seven games.

For the game, the Cards reeled off 136 rushing yards, including 33 on a clever reverse to wide receiver Chad Williams in the fourth quarter.

3. Larry keeps climbing

Win or lose, this spot is usually reserved for the latest milestone in Larry Fitzgerald's career. It will be used as such once again, as Fitz passed Randy Moss to move into third place in the NFL's all-time receiving yards list with a catch in the third quarter. He trails only Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens now.