The Arizona Cardinals' Player of the Game is CB Patrick Peterson

The Arizona Cardinals shocked fans this week finally getting a win against the Detroit Lions. The most frustrating part about this win was it was done in dominating fashion. After not showing much life for ten weeks and suffering nine straight losses, the Cardinals found a way to overcome their offensive struggles. How did they do it?

The Cardinals have had a playoff defense the entire season. The only problem is when QB Kevin Kolb went down they could no longer compete offensively. On Sunday, nobody was more important than CB Patrick Peterson. WR Calvin Johnson did have ten catches for 117 yards, but he was also targeted 17 times. If the Cardinals were asking more than that, it was asking too much.

Peterson finished Sunday’s game with seven tackles, one interception setting up a RB Beanie Wells touchdown and two passes defended against a receiver that has four inches on him in height and much more in wing span. The day for Peterson was impressive to say the least. Other players, like Wells, deserve some credit for his ability to find the end zone for the first time in weeks for the Cardinals. Wells had his best game of the season finishing with 67 yards and three touchdowns on just 17 carries.

Sunday’s win was a total team effort. The offense did not lose the game and the defense and special teams stepped up in a big way. However, the Cardinals can not let off the gas now. They will play the Chicago Bears at home and it will be a challenge. The Bears have lost five out of their last six games and if they are not careful they are going to miss the playoffs. They are hungry for a win, but the Cardinals finally showed they are no pushover.

Follow Kase Brammer on Twitter @KBlive33