Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos: Live Score and Analysis for Arizona

The Arizona Cardinals dropped their first game of the season in losing on the road to the Denver Broncos, 41-20. The trip was unkind to them, as they lost several starters and a backup or two to injury throughout the game, including defensive end Calais Campbell when Broncos tight end Julius Thomas threw a cheap shot at his knee, buckling it to the inside.

No one retaliated, for some unknown reason.

The offense was sloppy all game. Not only quarterback play—before he left with a head injury, Drew Stanton looked terrible—but wide receiver and offensive line play, as well. The receivers dropped at least seven passes, many of which would have converted first downs, which is pathetic.

Once Stanton left the game, rookie fourth-round pick Logan Thomas entered; the Broncos pinned their ears back and came after him, sacking the big quarterback on his first two dropbacks.

Defensively is where the team was affected most by injury. We mentioned Campbell going down, but so did cornerback Patrick Peterson and rookie safety Deone Bucannon. Even cornerback and gunner Justin Bethel missed a short period with an ailment.

This was a game to forget, as Peyton Manning set a career high with 479 yards passing. He threw four touchdowns and two interceptions and earned a 110.2 passer rating. Receiver Demaryius Thomas set a Broncos single-game record with 226 yards receiving—he caught two of Manning's four touchdowns.

The Cardinals drop to 3-1, and will have at least a share of the NFC West division lead after this week. It may seem like the wheels have fallen off, but in reality, this is only one game and the Broncos came in 16-2 at home with Manning at quarterback.

Do. Not. Panic.