Four Giants Turnovers Prove Costly As Arizona Holds Off New York 24-17

NFL News - October 26th, 2009 - Written by Scott

The Arizona Cardinals knew they had a potent offense that could put points on the board with quarterback Kurt Warner and big playmakers at receiver, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. On Sunday night, the Cardinals' defense matched the play of their offense and came up with four turnovers as Arizona held on to defeat the New York Giants 24-17. The Giants could not overcome 3 interceptions by quarterback Eli Manning and have now lost their second game in a row. Arizona's offense did what they had to do, but their stingy defense helped the Cardinals (4-2) move back into first place in the NFC West.

"We feel like we've got one of the best defenses in the league," Boldin said. "It's tough for teams to move the ball on them, let alone score on them."

After a scoreless first quarter, the Giants got on the score board first on a 4 yard touchdown run by Brandon Jacobs. The Cardinals would respond as Beanie Wells scored his first NFL touchdown from 13 yards out. On the Giants next possession, Hakeem Nicks would haul in a 62 yard touchdown pass from Manning to put the Giants back out in front 14-7. With 15 seconds remaining in the opening period, Neil Rackers would connect on a 30 yard field goal to bring the Cardinals within 4 heading into intermission.

The Giants suffered from poor punting all game, especially in the third quarter, and the Cardinals got great field position on their opening drive in the second half. Starting from their own 45 yard line, Warner connected with 2 long passes to Fitzgerald that set up Tim Hightower's 1 yard touchdown run to put the Cardinals back out in front 17-14. Late in the third quarter, Adrian Wilson picked off a pass by Manning at the Giants 20 yard line and then Jason Wright scored on a 6 yard pass from Warner to extend the Cardinal lead to 24-14 heading into the fourth quarter. New York would add their final points of the night in the fourth quarter on a 20 yard touchdown pass to Lawrence Tynes from Manning. Manning finished with 243 yards and 1 touchdown, but his 3 interceptions were the turning point in the game. The Giants also lost a fumble on the night as turnovers were crucial in their loss.

"Anytime you turn the ball over four times, you don't have much of a chance to win," head coach Tom Coughlin said.

Warner, who finished with 231 yards and 1 touchdown, and the Cardinals will host Carolina next Sunday. The Giants, who still remain in first in the NFC East despite the loss, will play at Philadelphia.

Hopefully Giants will be able to get back on track on November 1st as they go head to head with the Eagles, in Philadelphia. Check out the 2009 NFL Week 8 Betting Odds, to see which team is being favored to win.

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