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Cardinals Crush Jets 31-6 in Commanding Victory
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals asserted their dominance in the NFC West with a decisive 31-6 victory against the New York Jets, marking their fourth consecutive win. This performance ensured they maintained their lead in the division, keeping the pressure on the San Francisco 49ers.
Starting strong, the Cardinals (5-4) delivered an impressive first half, scoring on every one of their drives. James Conner initiated the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run, despite a previous 45-yard touchdown pass from Kyler Murray being nullified by a replay review.
Next, Murray showcased his agility, eluding the Jets’ defense for a one-yard rushing touchdown. He later found rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. in the back corner of the end zone with a perfectly placed over-the-shoulder pass.
The Cardinals closed the half with a 37-yard field goal from Chad Ryland, leading 24-6. Murray was exceptional, completing 17 of 19 passes for 199 yards and contributing both a passing and rushing touchdown. The team’s run game, though limited to 47 yards, promised more as they continued to lead.
Defensively, Arizona proved formidable, restricting Aaron Rodgers and the Jets to just 94 total yards in the first half, including only 40 passing yards.
Continuing their onslaught in the second half, the Cardinals saw Xavier Thomas force a critical fumble on Rodgers deep in the red zone, preserving their lead. Murray later capped a lengthy drive with a 12-yard touchdown run, extending the score to 31-6 by the end of the third quarter.
Cardinals safety Budda Baker added to the momentum with a sack of Rodgers, following which former Cardinal JJ Watt expressed his approval on social media, highlighting Arizona’s compelling performance.
Murray’s night included a franchise milestone, as he completed 17 straight passes, breaking Carson Palmer’s previous record set in 2017. With four minutes remaining, the team took Murray out, allowing backup Clayton Tune to finish the game.
The Cardinals’ win solidified their standing atop the NFC West, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating remainder of the season.