Arizona Cardinals Escape with a Win Despite Lack of Offense

Fans of the Arizona Cardinals were given a glimpse of what life would be like without Kevin Kolb as quarterback on Sunday, and the results were mixed.

The Cardinals did win the game with John Skelton as the quarterback, but Skelton’s performance was likely not enough to confirm that he should be starting in place of Kolb.

Skelton threw for 10 passing first downs, 222 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.  He was also the team's leading rusher with 38 yards. 

The Rams recorded three sacks, including one for a safety, and Skelton surrendered another safety when he was called for intentional grounding while inside the end zone, something that Kevin Kolb also did several weeks ago.

The Cardinals were held without a touchdown until there were less than five minutes on the clock, when Skelton hooked up with Larry Fitzgerald for the game’s only offensive touchdown for either side. 

Was the win a result of Skelton, or was it a result of the opponent?

The much maligned Cardinals defense was given a break on Sunday, facing a Rams offense that has scored among the fewest points in the league, and did their part limiting the Rams scoring. 

The Cardinals offense was also given a break from some of the better defenses that they have faced this season.  The Rams, in addition to scoring among the fewest points in the NFL, have also given up among the most points in the NFL.

The fact that the Cardinals were held to one offensive touchdown, at home, against one of the league’s worst defenses should be held under closer scrutiny.  It was the worst offensive performance since the lackluster outing against the Vikings in Week 5.

The Cardinals were lucky to come away with a win against a very bad St Louis Rams team. The next few weeks they will not be as fortunate with away games against the Eagles and 49ers—two of the NFL’s best teams featuring two of the NFL’s best defenses. 

Regardless of the numbers on the scoreboard it was a much needed win for a team that has had disappointing loss after disappointing loss, and Cardinals fans were able to leave University of Phoenix Stadium with something other than disgust.