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Arizona Cardinals claim last-gasp 34-31 win over Cincinnati Bengals

Monday 23 November 2015 08:24, UK

Chandler Catanzaro kicks the game-winning field goal during the final seconds of the Cardinals' 34-31 win over Cincinnati
Image: Chandler Catanzaro kicks the game-winning field goal during the final seconds of the Cardinals' 34-31 win over Cincinnati

Chandler Catanzaro's last-gasp field-goal helped the Arizona Cardinals claim a wild 34-31 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and improve to 8-2 in the NFC West.

Quarterback Carson Palmer overcame two first-quarter interceptions to throw four touchdowns and although the Bengals rallied to level at 31-31 with 1:08 to play on a 43-yard field goal by kicker Mike Nugent, Palmer threw two quick completions before a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty made Catanzaro's job easier. 

The penalty, called on Cincinnati defensive tackle Domata Peko for "calling out signals", turned what would have been a 45-yard kick into a 32-yarder which Catanzaro nailed with two seconds remaining.

David Johnson slips by outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict for a third-quarter touchdown for Arizona
Image: David Johnson slips by outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict for a third-quarter touchdown for Arizona

Their fourth straight win helped the Cardinals maintain a three-game divisional lead, with Palmer finishing 20 of 31 for 317 yards. The Bengals' Andy Dalton threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns, both to Tyler Eifert.

The Bengals, who held their previous three opponents to 10 points or fewer, lost for a second consecutive week after opening the season 8-0.

They led 14-7 at half-time, but watched Palmer lead the home team to three consecutive touchdowns in less than 10 minutes during the third quarter for a 28-14 lead.

First, he hit rookie wide receiver JJ Nelson with a touchdown pass that covered 64 yards and after forcing a quick three-and-out, Palmer did it again, driving the Cardinals down the field before finding wide receiver John Brown for an 18-yard score.

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Wide receiver JJ Nelson hauls in a 64-yard touchdown pass over free safety Reggie Nelson
Image: Wide receiver JJ Nelson hauls in a 64-yard touchdown pass over free safety Reggie Nelson

Following another strong defensive stand, the Cardinals used a 36-yard pass from Palmer to Nelson to set up their third touchdown of the quarter, a 16-yard pass from Palmer to rookie running back David Johnson.

The Bengals got two rushing touchdowns from running back Jeremy Hill, whose second score on a one-yard run cut the deficit to 28-21 with 11:26 to play. A sack and lost fumble by Dalton, however, led to a 24-yard field goal by Catanzaro.

Cincinnati rallied with Eifert's second touchdown to make it 31-28, but it was Catanzaro who would have the final say to leave both teams 8-2 and top of their respective divisions. 

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