Nov 15, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffalo Bills appeared destined to walk out of the desert with a win, but the Cardinals had other plans.
Somehow, someway, the Arizona Cardinals have leapfrogged the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West lead. Of course, that happened in dramatic fashion. In the waning seconds of the fourth quarter, the Cardinals held a 26-23 lead over the Buffalo Bills. The Cardinals looked to be heading for heartbreak after quarterback Josh Allen threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to receiver Stefon Diggs, but then they called a Hail Mary, literally.
With 11 seconds remaining at Buffalo’s 43-yard line, quarterback Kyler Murray heaved a deep pass to receiver DeAndre Hopkins in the end zone. The superstar leapt over three Bills defenders to haul in the pass for the touchdown giving Arizona the thrilling victory. Social media acted accordingly:
Cardinals soar to the division lead
You think the Cardinals are happy that they acquired Hopkins? We’d venture to say that they are. Especially since all it cost to get him was running back David Johnson and second and fourth-round draft picks from the Houston Texans. Speaking of which, how are Texans fans doing after seeing this feat of superstardom?
Murray managed to complete 22-of-32 pass attempts for 245 yards, one touchdown (the Hail Mary) and one interception. Additionally, the 2019 first-overall pick scrambled for 61 yards and two scores on 11 carries. As for Hopkins, he caught seven Murray passes for 127 yards and a touchdown.
And for the Bills, Allen threw 32 pass completions on 49 attempts for 284 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions against Arizona’s defense.
The Cardinals will now look to carry this momentum to this Thursday, as they hit the road to face the rival Seahawks. Let’s not forget that Arizona eked out an overtime victory over Seattle earlier this season; and you can imagine they’ll look to make it an easier feat than last time. This calls for celebration Cardinals fans! Your team is in first place!