Kyler Murray's Career Game Not Enough as Cardinals Fall to Bears, 23-20
By [Your Name]
September 18, 2023
Despite a record-setting performance from Kyler Murray, the Arizona Cardinals fell to the Chicago Bears 23-20 in a hard-fought game at Soldier Field. Murray threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns, but it was not enough to overcome three interceptions and the Cardinals' defense allowing 17 unanswered points in the second half.
The Cardinals got off to a hot start, scoring on their first two possessions. Murray found DeAndre Hopkins for a 25-yard touchdown pass on the game's opening drive, and then connected with A.J. Green for a 40-yard score on the next drive. The Bears responded with a field goal, but Murray led the Cardinals on another scoring drive late in the second quarter, capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run by James Conner.
The Bears took control of the game in the third quarter. Justin Fields led the Bears on a 12-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by David Montgomery. The Cardinals went three-and-out on their next possession, and the Bears took the lead on a 35-yard field goal by Cairo Santos. After another Cardinals three-and-out, the Bears extended their lead to 20-17 on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Fields to Cole Kmet.
The Cardinals had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but Murray was intercepted by Kevin Byard III in the end zone. The Bears ran out the clock to secure the victory.
Murray's 354 passing yards were the most by a Cardinals quarterback since Carson Palmer in 2015. He also became the first Cardinals quarterback to throw for four touchdowns in a game since Josh Rosen in 2018.
However, Murray's three interceptions were costly. The Bears turned two of those interceptions into touchdowns, which proved to be the difference in the game.
The Cardinals defense also struggled in the second half. The Bears scored on three consecutive possessions in the second half, and the Cardinals were unable to generate any pressure on Fields.
The loss drops the Cardinals to 1-1 on the season. They will host the Carolina Panthers next Sunday.
