Cardinals-Rams: Arizona Spoils Sam Bradford's Debut in 17-13 Defeat of St. Louis

This game wasn't pretty. In fact, it was downright scary, but in the end the Arizona Cardinals defeated the St. Louis Rams 17-13 in St. Louis Sunday afternoon.

That's about the only good thing you can say for the Cardinals that day.

Plagued with penalties and turnovers, the Cardinals tried everything in their power to give Sam Bradford his first win as an NFL quarterback. Derek Anderson had issues gelling with Larry Fitzgerald, although Larry caught Anderson's only touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.

Some will probably say this was just a difficult league division battle—an intense clash of the titans. I think not. Arizona, the reigning two-time NFC West champs, had to work hard for every yard they got. The Rams clearly don't want to be the doormat of the NFC West anymore.

The Cardinals, picked by many to be looking up to the 49ers for the NFC West crown, found a way to win this game. Ken Whisenhunt has tried to change the culture of the "here we go again" Cardinals, who consistently gave games away a few years ago. They almost did it today.

The most disturbing stat of the game was fumbles. Rookie free agent Max Komar had three fumbles but only lost one. Tim Hightower lost two fumbles. Derek Anderson also fumbled twice but only lost one.

Against any other team, seven fumbles will seal your fate. But the Rams had four turnovers themselves. Sam Bradford had three interceptions, although the last one was a late Hail Mary in the end zone. Despite those picks, Bradford looked good. He showed poise in the pocket and made accurate throws. The Rams did lose some receivers at inopportune times.

The Cardinals defense played well during this game. Adrian Wilson was all over the field with two interceptions and a sack.

But there was no doubt who the hero of this game was. Steve Breaston made the most important play of the game when the Rams forced a fumble by Derek Anderson and Clifton Ryan picked it up for what was almost a certain defensive touchdown. But Breaston came from behind and stripped Ryan of the ball, and it was ruled a touchback. Oh, and he had seven catches for 132 yards with some big third down catches.

That saved the game for the Cardinals. Well, almost.

The scariest moment for the Cardinals came after Bradford was picked off late in the fourth quarter, which all but sealed the deal for the Cardinals. Kerry Rhodes ran the ball back for a 65-yard return that was just plain awkward to watch.

On the very next play Tim Hightower coughed it up, giving the Rams a small glimmer of hope. They couldn't capitalize, and the Cardinals got a much-needed division road win.

Most wanted to know how Derek Anderson would play in his first game as the Cardinals' starting quarterback. The answer is...eh. Not great, but not bad.

Some of his throws were on the money and others way off course, especially some thrown to Fitzgerald. It's rare to see Fitzgerald be thrown to 15 times and only catch three. The two weren't in sync all game but did manage a nice pass and catch for the Cardinals' go-ahead touchdown.

Early Doucet was injured with a groin pull and did not return. We are starting to wonder about his durability.

With the injured Beanie Wells out, LaRod Stephens-Howlings was a nice complement to Hightower, rushing for 49 yards on seven carries. Hightower finished with 54 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown.

So after Week 1, the Cardinals are in the same spot where they finished last year: first place. But there are going to be some sleepless nights in Arizona (like tonight). The Cardinals won this game, or should I say escaped, but there is some uneasiness.

There were some points where you wanted to get the second-string quarterback Max Hall in the game, especially when Anderson took some nasty hits from the Rams defense. But Anderson stuck it out and led the Cardinals to victory—and that's all that matters for Cardinal fans.