Game Day: Cardinals defense strong again as Arizona shuts out N.Y. Giants
Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
New York Giants Steve Spagnuolo congratulate Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians after Arizona won 23-0 win on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) runs off the field after beating the New York Giants 23-0 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals injured running back David Johnson talks on the sidelines during the third quarter against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians talks to New York Giants Eli Manning after 23-0 win on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald waves to the fans after defeating the New York Giants 23-0 on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs off the field after beating the New York Giants 23-0 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians waves to fans after beating the New York Giants 23-0 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) watches the final minutes during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) is helped up by free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown is carried from the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants in the second half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Haason Reddick leaves the field with an injury against the New York Giants in the first half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown makes a touchdown catch against the New York Giants in the second half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown celebrates after making a touchdown catch against the New York Giants in the second half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Deone Bucannon forces a fumble from New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in the second half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Nkemdiche returned the fumble for a touchdown.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Robert Nkemdiche recovers the fumble from New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in the second half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Nkemdiche returned the fumble for a touchdown.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Robert Nkemdiche recovers the fumble from New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in the second half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Nkemdiche returned the fumble for a touchdown.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Robert Nkemdiche recovers the fumble from New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in the second half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Nkemdiche returned the fumble for a touchdown.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Robert Nkemdiche recovers the fumble from New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in the second half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Nkemdiche returned the fumble for a touchdown.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals injured quarterback Carson Palmer talks on the sidelines during the third quarter against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals injured wide receiver Brittan Golden (11) watches during the third quarter against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) watches during the third quarter against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
A woman takes a tumble while unfurling a large flag before the Arizona Cardinals played the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his touchdown catch with quarterback Drew Stanton (5) against the New York Giants during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald breaks through the New York Giants defense in the first half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald scores a touchdown and makes his 100th reception of the season against the New York Giants in the first half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald scores a touchdown and makes his 100th reception of the season against the New York Giants in the first half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald scores a touchdown and makes his 100th reception of the season against the New York Giants in the first half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Bryson Albright celebrates after New York Giants Aldrick Rosas (2) missed a field goal attempt in the first half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
An Arizona Cardinals fan hopes Larry Fitzgerald will stay for another season in the first half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals Budda Baker tackles New York Giants Wayne Gallman in the first half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) removes his helmet during a break against the New York Giants during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians talks with referee John Parry (132) during the second quarter against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians calls a play against the New York Giants during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) waits for a replay during the second quarter against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) drops a pass while defended by New York Giants free safety Darian Thompson (27) during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field goal against the New York Giants during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton is pressured by New York Giants Jason Pierre-Paul in the first half on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Frostee Rucker (92) raises his hands after a defensive stand against the New York Giants during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) tackles New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scrambles away from Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Olsen Pierre (72) during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Dec 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the New York Giants in the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Dec 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (55) and Kelvin Sheppard (47) in the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Dec 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass against the New York Giants in the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
A pass sails past Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) while defended by New York Giants defensive back Darryl Morris (23) during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Dec 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; The Arizona Cardinals offense squares off against the New York Giants defense during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Kartozian, Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Dec 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Elijhaa Penny (35) carries the ball during the first half against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Kartozian, Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Dec 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a catch as New York Giants defensive back Darryl Morris (23) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Kartozian, Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Dec 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Antoine Bethea (41) celebrates after making an interception during the first half against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Kartozian, Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) reacts after a pass break-up against the New York Giants during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Dec 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) throws a pass against the New York Giants during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) throws a pass while hit by New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) eduring the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Dec 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson reacts prior to the game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) walks onto the field before playing against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals fans watch warmups before a game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning warms-up on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
New York Giants safety Landon Collins on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Singer Jordin Sparks poses for pictures before Arizona Cardinals game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals fans watch pre game warmups before a game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill watches pre-game warmups before a game against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians points towards the stands before playing against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians with his 6-month-old grandson Asher before playing the New York Giants on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
An Arizona Cardinals fan shows some Christmas cheer before playing the New York Giants on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals fans shows some Christmas cheer before playing the New York Giants on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
An Arizona Cardinals fan wears a Santa hat at the New York Giants game on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) walks into the locker room before playing against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians looks out towards the field before playing against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) prays before playing against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) prays before playing against the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 24, 2017.
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Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer wears a pink flamingo suit after losing the weekly quarterback challenge prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP
Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer wears a pink flamingo suit after losing the weekly quarterback challenge prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP
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New York Giants Steve Spagnuolo congratulate Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians after Arizona won 23-0 win on Dec. 24, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
JJ Hensley and Kent Somers, The Republic | azcentral.com
Published 1:07 p.m. MT Dec. 24, 2017 | Updated 5:40 p.m. MT Dec. 24, 2017
The Cardinals defense continued its streak of impressive performances, and the offense finally made an appearance on Sunday.
The result was 23-0 victory over the Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium.
It was the first time the Cardinals shut out an opponent since 1992, when the Phoenix Cardinals shut out the Giants 19-0 at Sun Devil Stadium.
Quarterback Drew Stanton, reinserted into the starting lineup this week, found receiver Larry Fitzgerald early and often. Fitzgerald caught 9 passes for 119 yards, 104 of which came in the first half, and a touchdown.
Fitzgerald surpassed the 100 reception and 1,000-yard marks on Sunday. At 34, he is the oldest player in NFL history to reach those milestones in the same season.
Cardinals turning point
The Cardinals had gone 11 quarters without scoring before a 79-yard drive at the end of the second quarter. Drew Stanton hit Larry Fitzgerald with a 13-yard scoring pass to give the Cardinals a 10-0 lead.
They added to it on the opening possession of the second half, driving 75 yards for the touchdown. Stanton bought some time in the pocket and found John Brown with a 15-yard touchdown pass.
Phil Dawson missed the extra point and the Cardinals led, 16-0, with 9:25 left.
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