The Arizona Cardinals’ 42-34 win Thursday night over the New Orleans Saints was monumental in keeping their playoff hopes alive. They took care of business. While the Saints certainly are not one of the top teams in the league, the Cardinals needed to earn their first home win since last October, particularly given the injuries to the Saints team.
Arizona did just that. The final score is a bit deceptive, as this game was decided midway through the third quarter. The win gives the Cardinals some momentum, which they’ll need against the 5-1 Minnesota Vikings next week.
It was a fun one for the Cardinals and their fans last night. Let’s dive into the player performances.
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STUD: WR DeAndre Hopkins
WR DeAndre Hopkins silenced doubters that he might be trending toward the end of his prime. Following a slew of injuries last season and the six-game PED suspension this year, critics were quick to go after Hopkins.
He looked every bit like his usual self last night with 10 receptions for 103 yards. The offense as a whole looked completely different with him in the lineup, as other players were able to make plays due to his presence.
For the Cardinals to make a playoff push, they’re going to need the Hopkins we saw last night each week. Last night was all the more sweet for D-Hop and the Cardinals because the whole world was watching.
Hopkins and the Cardinals have a pivotal game next week against the Minnesota Vikings and one Patrick Peterson.
DUD: WR A.J. Green
Green was active last night but did not play, He was in uniform on the sidelines but never had his helmet on and appeared to know he wouldn’t be playing.
The acquisition of Robbie Anderson from Carolina, coupled with the eventual return of Marquise Brown does not spell much playing time for Green. The former All-Pro receiver had a nice season with the Cardinals in 2021, but has failed to make an impact this season.
It is trending towards the end of what was an incredible career for Green. Despite his struggles with the Cardinals, he was one of the most dominant receivers of the last decade. He did make a very clutch grab for the Cardinals in their thrilling overtime win against the Raiders in Week 2.
STUD: LB Isaiah Simmons
It’s been an up-and-down start to the career of Isaiah Simmons, mostly due to frustration over lack of playing time. Fans have been begging the Cardinals to let their former No. 8 overall pick see the field and this season, they’re doing just that.
Simmons split time at slot cornerback and inside linebacker. It’s even more encouraging that he and the Cardinals are finding success when he plays multiple positions, which was his biggest strength coming out of Clemson.
Last night, Simmons had five solo tackles and a highlight-reel pick-six that changed the course of the game. Simmons sat in the middle of the field and read Andy Dalton the whole way. It doesn’t hurt that he snagged the ball with one hand.
The Cardinals’ linebacker duo of Simmons and Zaven Collins is exponentially improving, which is very encouraging for the team moving forward.
STUD: CB Marco Wilson
It wasn’t a pretty start for Wilson, as he gave up a 53-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed on the first drive of the game. The rest of the way, however, he was great.
Wilson grabbed his first career interception and took it to the house. His flip about ten feet off the ground is worth making this list on it’s own.
That play aside, Wilson is vastly improving from last season. He’s held his own at the No. 2 cornerback spot after losing the training camp job to Antonio Hamilton.
While cornerback was thought to be a huge weakness entering this season, the young duo of Byron Murphy and Marco Wilson have been putting that argument to bed.
STUD(s): RBs Eno Benjamin and Keontay Ingram
The Cardinals were without veterans James Conner and Darrel Williams in this game, but their rushing attack couldn’t have been better.
2020 seventh-round pick Eno Benjamin and 2022 sixth round selection Keontay Ingram carried the load against the Saints and performed admirably.
Benjamin was the lead back with 12 carries for 92 yards and a score. He broke off a big run in the second quarter for 45 yards. He also scored on a two-point conversion just before the half.
Ingram looked good as well with a rushing touchdown to put the game out of reach, as well as a nice 24-yard play after the catch to spark the offense early in the game.
The Cardinals may have one of the best running back rooms in the league with these ascending backs coupled with James Conner
