The Arizona Cardinals continued their fine start to the season as they moved to a 5-1 record courtesy of a 24-13 victory over the Oakland Raiders.
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The Cardinals found their rhythm in their second possession of the game as Carson Palmer moved his side downfield before firing a strike to Stepfan Taylor, who did well to keep his balance while taking a hit to leap over for a two-yard touchdown.
Arizona began to take control of the game and Palmer delivered a perfect strike to extend their lead as he found Michael Floyd deep down the left side, and the receiver made a good grab to complete the 33-yard score.
The Raiders showed fight towards the end of the half as a big completion from Derek Carr to Brice Butler set them up inside the five-yard line. Darren McFadden got his side on the board with a run for a touchdown through the middle.
A late interception from Charles Woodson allowed the Raiders to close within four points as Sebastian Janikowski nailed a 29-yard field goal between the posts just before the break.
In the second half, the Raiders managed to keep the game close and Carr made several good throws, but again his side were forced to settle for a field goal from the boot of Janikowski to bring them within a point.
However, Arizona re-established their dominance in the game with a solid drive led by Palmer, which culminated in Taylor powering over the goalline on the left side for a four-yard touchdown.
The Raiders tried to get back in the game but failed to produce against a physical Cardinals defense, and that allowed Chandler Catanzaro to end the match as he fired a field goal through the posts from 41 yards.
Simon Sinclair
