Cardinals fall to Giants 36-34 after late interception

By Zev Black
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The Arizona Cardinals (1-3) came up just short against the Giants (3-1), 36-34, Sunday in East Rutherford. This was the third straight game in which the Cardinals have given up 30 or more points.

On the game’s final drive with the Cardinals down 30-24, Arizona marched down to the 4-yard line with 22 seconds left and had four chances to tie and potentially win the game. 

The first three attempts missed their mark so, on fourth-and-goal with the game on the line, QB Jacoby Brissett dropped back, looked to his left at his top receiver Michael Wilson, but the ball found the hands of Giants CB Deonte Banks who returned the interception 98 yards for a pick-six.

The game started out much better for Arizona as they marched down the field quickly and efficiently on their opening possession, gaining more than eight yards on four separate plays, including the final one: a 12-yard fade to WR Marvin Harrison Jr. for the game’s opening score. It was Harrison’s first receiving touchdown of the season and his only reception of the game.

After conceding a 39-yard field goal on the Giants’ opening possession, the Cardinals extended their lead to 11 on a Tyler Allgeier 22-yard rushing touchdown. This was also his first touchdown of the season.

From there, the game started to go downhill for Arizona. Their next five possessions included three punts, two interceptions and zero first downs.

During this stretch, the Giants scored 16 points to take a 19-14 lead with 2:24 left in the first half.

It looked like New York was poised to add to its lead until Arizona CB Denzel Burke intercepted Giants QB Jameis Winston at the Cardinals’ 25-yard line. Arizona needed just three plays to get into range for K Chad Ryland, who drilled a 60-yard field goal to cut the deficit to two at halftime.

The kick was a career-long for Ryland, surpassing his previous high of 58 yards.

Coming out of the break, Arizona immediately capitalized on a Budda Baker interception. Brissett methodically marched the offense 37 yards over 10 plays and just over five minutes before finding TE Elijah Higgins for a two-yard pitch and catch. The touchdown gave the Cardinals a 24-19 lead.

That, and the previous touchdown to Harrison Jr., were Brissett’s only passing touchdowns of the game. He had 166 passing yards and three interceptions, along with 18 yards rushing.

On New York’s ensuing drive, the Cardinals forced a 34-yard field goal attempt, which Giants K Dominic Zvada drilled. However, the officials called a questionable defensive holding penalty on Arizona’s Dante Stills, giving New York an extra life on the drive.

Winston did not pass up that opportunity, finding TE Theo Johnson for an 11-yard touchdown. Veteran RB Najee Harris then ran it in to convert the two-point conversion, giving the Giants a 27-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Arizona’s first three possessions of the final quarter ended in punts. A Mack Wilson forced fumble was a bright spot on defense between those drives, but the Cardinals were unable to capitalize.

Zvada hit a 52-yard field goal with 2:11 remaining in the game to push the lead to 30-24.

Brissett started the Cardinals’ final drive with two passes to Wilson for 20 total yards, but Arizona’s comeback attempt ultimately ended with Banks’ 98-yard pick-six.

These were two of Wilson’s seven receptions. He had 95 yards on 13 targets but did not reach the end zone.

Cardinals TE Trey McBride was held to a rather quiet day with only 31 yards, but did bring in seven receptions on 12 targets. He’s only had one game with fewer than five receptions since Dec. 22, 2024.

Rookie RB Jeremiyah Love led the team with 63 rushing yards.

The Cardinals return home next week for a 1:25 p.m. game Sunday, Oct. 11, against the Detroit Lions (2-1) at State Farm Stadium.