The Arizona Cardinals picked up a huge season-opening win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, defeating them 38-13. They had big contributions from several players, but their top performers were linebacker Chandler Jones and quarterback Kyler Murray.
They were not only top game performances, but come Tuesday morning, we should see an announcement saying that the Cardinals have both the NFC Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week.
Just how good were they in Week 1?
Jones had five sacks, four tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. He should be a lock for Defensive Player of the Week. He had three more sacks than the next best player.
Murray had 289 passing yards, four touchdown passes and added a rushing touchdown as well.
All of this game in a 38-13 win.
No one in Week 1 should even be considered on defense, but Murray does have competition.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston had five touchdown passes in the Saints’ 38-3 win over the Green Bay Packers. He threw for more touchdowns than Murray but Murray has the same total touchdowns, adding in his rushing score.
However, Winston passed for only 148 yards. He was great, but Murray had a better game.
Murray has been named Offensive Player of the Week four times. Jones has been Defensive Player of the Week three times.
Keep an eye out for that announcement Tuesday morning and, if for some reason it doesn’t happen, have your angry tweets and comments fired up and ready to go.
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