Patrick Peterson ties record as Cardinals beat Rams at Edward Jones Dome – NFL Recap Week 12
An 80-yard punt return for a touchdown from cornerback Patrick Peterson dominated most part of the second half on Sunday as Arizona Cardinals defeated hapless St. Louis Rams 23-20 at the Edward Jones Dome in the week 12 encounter
of the National Football League current season.
This is the fourth time in the season when Peterson has returned a punt for a touchdown, tying the NFL single-season record. The other players who have the same number of punt returns for touchdowns are Devin Hester (in 2007),
Rick Upchurch (in 1976) and Jack Christiansen (in 1951).
"I was actually very, very surprised," Peterson said after the victory. "I just told the guys to be patient, that we'd get one sooner or later."
During the week-nine battle between these two teams, Peterson returned a punt from 99 yards to score a touchdown. Repeating the same heroics deserves applause, but at the same time raises questions on the ability of Rams to contain
him.
The presence of large number of players on Rams’ injury reserve list can be cited as one of the reasons for their ninth defeat of the season, but allowing Peterson to run for 80 yards certainly calls for other rational explanation.
Rams had an early lead when Nick Miller handsomely managed an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter. A 29-yard field goal from Jay Feely at the end of the quarter did reduce the deficit, but could not snatch
the lead from Rams, who extended it 10-3 with a 35-yrd field goal from Josh Brown in the second quarter.
Cardinals completely dominated the third quarter to take the game back in their hands. Feely kicked the ball from 37 yards to score three points. Following it was a seven-yard run by Beanie Wells for a touchdown. The next was the
record-tying 80-yard punt return from Peterson to give Cardinals a 20-10 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Rams responded well in the fourth quarter. A 48-yard field goal from Josh Brown and a touchdown from a 16-yard pass by Sam Bradford to Brandon Lloyd levelled the score 20-20. Rams have struggled throughout the season to remain
consistent and secure the lead, and the same happened again. A 22-yard field goal from Feely gave Cardinals a lead 23-20, which proved to be decisive.
Rams are placed at the bottom of the National Football League West division, and angry fans need explanation for the team’s feeble performance in the season. Sadly, no one has answers for them.
"I understand it, I understand the fans are frustrated," quarterback Sam Bradford said. "I understand they expect and want more out of us. I can tell them that I expect and want more out of this offense, 10 times more than they
do."
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