Arizona’s defense and special teams carried the show in a 20-17 win over Kansas City, flipping field position and forcing KC to grind for every yard. The Cardinals deployed 37 defenders in the run game, and the plan paid off as the Chiefs totaled just 249 yards (4.0 per play) and converted five of 13 on third down. Stifling the run in the first half helped keep pressure on the KC quarterback, while L.J. Collier produced the lone sack but the line and edge players created persistent pressure.

Turnovers and takeaways were the heart of Arizona’s night. Darren Hall and Kitan Crawford intercepted Bailey Zappe, with Hall’s pick coming as KC marched and helped swing momentum to the Cardinals. Will Johnson and Max Melton started and flashed; Denzel Burke contributed four solo tackles. On special teams, miscues surfaced (Dortch’s opening kickoff fumble, DeeJay Dallas’ muff, and a Matt Araiza punt muff), but Chad Ryland nailed 33- and 50-yarders to seal it. Ryland’s booming kick from 50 yards four seconds into the fourth provided the game-winner as the Cardinals showcased a roster-building, young defensive core and a reliable leg in Ryland.