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.
Jack Boys!@HighRizer22 with the diving pick! #BeRedSeeRed pic.twitter.com/mm3aWEMC6x
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 10, 2017
BYNES TIME!@BynesTime56 with the pick! #BeRedSeeRed pic.twitter.com/eb1I179YQj
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 10, 2017
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.
Larry Legend keeps climbing. pic.twitter.com/fsIzaw8HAd
— ESPN (@espn) December 10, 2017
With that 23-yard reception @LarryFitzgerald has 15,303 career receiving yards.
He moves past @RandyMoss and into 3rd on NFL’s all-time receiving yardage list. pic.twitter.com/pFaJ2BoISz
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) December 10, 2017