NFL Game Summary - Arizona at Chicago
(Sunday, November 8th)
Final Score: Arizona 41, Chicago 21
Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Kurt Warner rebounded from a lackluster
performance last week against Carolina by matching a career-high with five
touchdown passes to lead the Arizona Cardinals to a 41-21 win over Chicago at
Soldier Field.
The former Super Bowl MVP was picked off five times in the loss to the
Panthers, but carved up the Bears' defense Sunday, completing 22-of-31 passes
for 261 yards. Arizona produced points on its first six possessions to build a
comfortable lead.
Larry Fitzgerald led all receivers with 123 yards and two scores on nine
grabs, while Steve Breaston, Anthony Becht and Ben Patrick also caught a
touchdown pass for the Cardinals (5-3), who remain unbeaten in four games
on the road this season.
Tim Hightower rushed for 77 yards on 15 carries and rookie Beanie Wells
totaled 72 yards on the ground for Arizona.
Jay Cutler amassed 369 yards through the air on 29-of-47 efficiency with
three touchdown passes to Greg Olsen and one interception for the Bears
(4-4), who were dealt their first home loss of the year and have dropped
three of four overall.
"We're not happy about how we're playing right now," said Bears head coach
Lovie Smith. "We know things have to change. If they do, we can still
accomplish our goal."
Trailing 34-7, Cutler and Olsen hooked up for a three-yard TD. The score
capped an epic nine-play drive that extended into the fourth quarter and
originated from the Chicago seven-yard line.
Matt Leinart was given an opportunity to guide the offense with Arizona
seemingly in firm control. However, Leinart was picked off on the third play
of the ensuing drive.
The Bears quickly capitalized on the turnover as Olsen hauled in a 20-yard TD
pass to trim the deficit to 34-21 with 9:04 remaining.
Cutler, though, was intercepted on the next drive, and Warner, inserted back
into the game, topped off his brilliant day with a four-yard TD pass to
Breaston.
"We played a very good game today. It was good to get a win here. I know they
hadn't lost at home," said Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt. "I was excited
by the way our team played -- in all phases. It was good to see Kurt bounce
back. I was excited that we were able to run the ball a little bit better
today."
Arizona got the ball to begin the game and Warner led the Cardinals on an
eight-play, 81-yard drive that culminated in an 11-yard toss to Fitzgerald for
an early 7-0 lead.
The Bears immediately countered on their first possession, which did not
feature a running play. Cutler completed five of his six pass attempts,
including a 42-yard strike to Devin Hester, charging down the right sideline,
and a 33-yard toss to Olsen in the back of the end zone.
Warner came right back with a six-yard TD pass to Patrick, and threw TD passes
of 17 and 15 yards, respectively, to Fitzgerald and Becht in the second
quarter.
The Bears were in position to attempt a field goal before the end of the first
half, but Robbie Gould's 48-yard try was blocked by Dominique Rodgers-
Cromartie and returned to midfield by Antrel Rolle. Neil Rackers then booted a
43-yarder as time expired, extending Arizona's lead to 31-7 at the break.
Rackers' 30-yard field goal accounted for all the scoring in the third
quarter.
Game Notes
Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin missed the game because of an ankle
injury...Chicago defensive tackle Tommie Harris was ejected from the game
after punching Cardinals offensive tackle Deuce Lutui on the game's opening
drive...The Bears were limited to 70 rushing yards...Hester had 94 yards on
six receptions...Arizona hosts Seattle next Sunday...Chicago visits San
Francisco on Thursday.
11/08 17:54:43 ET

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