Arizona Cardinals V Houston Texans Game Grades: Defense And Special Teams

Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Jalen Parmele (34) is tackled by Houston Texans defenders during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sure its just preseason but a 32-0 shut-out by the Cardinals feels good no matter what time of year it happens.  In that case, fans should feel pretty good about the dominating performance put on by the Cardinals defense on Saturday night.

As far as positives are concerned there were plenty to take away from this game for the Cards. Most of the headlines will be dominated by the offensive performances of quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Logan Thomas but the numbers they put up would not have been possible if not for some stellar defense.

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The Cardinals defense posted 2 Interceptions, 2 sacks and a safety while pitching a shut-out over the Texans.  Both interceptions came against Texans starter Ryan Fitzpatrick who had trouble finding any room in the Cardinals pass defense.

Antonio Cromartie made his mark early by snagging his first interception in a Cardinals uniform in the 1 st quarter. Cromartie interception in Houston territory set up a short field goa that gave the Cardinals a 17-0 lead.

The defense struck again in the 2nd quarter when Linebacker Marcus Benard intercepted a Ryan Fitzpatrick pass in Arizona territory. The turnover stopped a Texans drive at the end of the second that could have resulted in a touchdown.

At the end of the fourth quarter the Cardinals added insult to injury by sacking back-up Tom Savage for a safety adding 2 points to what would become a 32-0 victory for the Birds.

The kicking game was also right on target converting 3 of 3 field goal attempts with a long of 32 yards.

Although the performance came against a sub par  Houston Texans offense, the Arizona Cardinals defense was better than  anyone could have expected.

OVERALL GRADE: A