Washington vs. Cardinals 2016 final score: 5 things to know from Arizona’s 31-23 win

The Arizona Cardinals defeated Washington, 31-23, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in a Week 13 matchup. Here are five things to know.

Carson Palmer shredded Washington’s defense

Whether he was throwing to David Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer led his team to victory by throwing accurate passes, avoiding turnovers, and taking chances down the field.

Speaking of taking chances, with a 24-23 lead late in the fourth quarter, Palmer threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to receiver J.J. Nelson to increase the lead to 31-23. Palmer stood in the pocket, lobbed the ball into the end zone, and Nelson came down with the tough catch.

Other teams would have ran the ball to run out the clock. But Palmer played to win, not lose. He finished the game with 300 passing yards to go along with three touchdowns.

David “Mr. Do It All” Johnson

Cardinals running back David Johnson can hurt defenses in the running and passing game. When he has the ball in his hands, he can make defenders miss in the open field. He can also plow over them to pick up tough yards.

On Arizona’s opening drive of the game, Johnson had 39 total yards and a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Cardinals a 7-0 lead. He finished the first half with 88 total yards and a touchdown.

In the second half, Johnson continued to make plays. Down 20-17 early in the fourth quarter, he caught a 25-yard touchdown to give the Cardinals a 24-20 lead. He lined up as a receiver, caught the short pass, and made defenders miss on his way to the end zone.

Johnson finished with 175 total yards and two touchdowns.

Larry Fitzgerald’s big day

Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald made tough catches in this game. He got open on third downs, and Palmer frequently looked in his direction when he needed a big play.

Fitzgerald caught 10 passes for 78 yards. After this huge performance, Fitzgerald moved to third all-time in NFL career receptions. He has been a model of consistency throughout his career.

Kirk Cousins’ strong second half

Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins didn’t play well in the first half. He looked uncomfortable in the pocket at times, and he missed some throws. Luckily for him, his team was down 10-6 at the half.

However, he looked like a different quarterback in the second half. On the team’s opening possession, Cousins threw a 59-yard pass to receiver DeSean Jackson. That play led to a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Cousins to give Washington a 13-10 lead.

Late in the third quarter and still ahead at 13-10, Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell sacked Cousins. Cardinals linebacker Markus Golden recovered the fumble and returned it to Washington’s 10-yard line for a 20-yard return.

That turnover led to a 6-yard touchdown reception by Cardinals receiver Michael Floyd to give Arizona a 17-13 lead.

Cousins didn’t panic. On Washington’s next possession, he orchestrated an eight-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 26-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jamison Crowder.

Crowder ran down the seam and beat Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson on that touchdown play. Washington took a 20-17 lead.

Down 31-23 late in the fourth quarter, Cousins threw a game-clinching interception to Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson.

Cousins finished with 271 passing yards and a touchdown.

Washington flourished on the ground

Against Arizona’s stingy defense, Washington had success running the ball. Since Cousins struggled throwing the football in the first half, Washington had to resort to its rushing attack to move the chains.

Running back Robert Kelley ran for 44 yards on eight carries in the first half. He ran with physicality and burst. Also, Washington’s offensive line successfully carved out space for Kelley as well.

In the second half, Washington had success on the ground. Kelley and running back Chris Thompson ran with power and speed. Washington finished the game with 87 rushing yards on 18 carries.

What’s next for both teams

Washington will travel to the City of Brotherly Love for a Week 14 matchup against a divisional foe in the Philadelphia Eagles. Washington can still make the playoffs, but the defense must play better if the team wants to clinch a spot.

In Week 14, Arizona will head down to Miami to face the Dolphins. Like Washington, the Cardinals have a chance to clinch a playoff berth. They must keep winning games. There is no room for error.