The Arizona Cardinals struggled defensively in the first half against the Washington Commanders. Washington took a 17-7 lead into halftime, and it was because the Cardinals did little to stop them.
The Commanders had 220 yards in the first half, including 124 running the ball. They were 5-for-6 on third down. They did pick off quarterback Jayden Daniels once, but the rookie completed 11-for-13 passes for 96 yards.
Last week, in a 20-13 loss to Detroit, Arizona allowed 20 first-half points and 240 yards, as the Lions converted on 5-of-6 third downs.
They would shut the Lions out in the second half but couldn’t overcome the deficit.
They will need a similar defensive turnaround against the Commanders to get turn the tide.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.