GLENDALE, Ariz. — Emari Demercado made a remarkable run of 53 yards for a touchdown right before halftime, while James Conner contributed significantly with 107 rushing yards, helping the Arizona Cardinals achieve a convincing 29-9 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
The Cardinals improved their record to 5-4 and celebrated their third consecutive victory, marking their first such streak in three years.
In contrast, the Bears are facing a tough stretch, having lost their last two games. Their previous match ended in heartbreak against the Commanders, where a last-second Hail Mary sealed an 18-15 defeat. This time, they faced another disappointment with a crucial error occurring just before the half.
Chicago’s rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggled under pressure, facing six sacks throughout the game. He finished with 22 completions out of 41 attempts for a total of 216 passing yards. The offensive unit managed only 241 yards overall, highlighting the struggles they faced.
Arizona took a commanding 21-9 lead into halftime after Demercado’s explosive 53-yard touchdown run just seconds before the break. The touchdown was set up by a drive initiated with 26 seconds to go after a Chicago field goal. Kyler Murray connected on several short passes before Demercado broke through the Bears’ defense, sprinting down the sideline and changing the momentum of the game.
This moment was one of two critical defensive mistakes by Chicago late in the second quarter. At 7-6 with just under four minutes left in the half, the Cardinals appeared to be on the verge of settling for a field goal. However, a penalty against Bears’ Gervon Dexter Sr. for improper leverage allowed Arizona to keep the drive alive. They capitalized on this opportunity, with Trey Benson scoring from one yard out just three plays later.
Arizona maintained control in the second half, with Chad Ryland adding two field goals, including a long 55-yarder, pushing the lead to 27-9. The Bears were unable to respond effectively, while Arizona’s defense, spearheaded by linebacker Zaven Collins, who recorded two sacks, continued to dominate.
Murray completed 13 of his 20 passes for 154 yards, leading a balanced offensive attack. Arizona struck first with a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter, courtesy of a 2-yard touchdown run by tight end Trey McBride. Meanwhile, Chicago’s Cairo Santos was responsible for all of their points in the first half, successfully converting three field goals, two of which were from 53 yards out.
Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson returned to action after not starting due to a previous mental error that cost his team last week. He had apologized for turning his back to the field during a critical moment against the Commanders.
In terms of injuries, the Bears were missing key contributors, including defensive lineman Montez Sweat and defensive back Kyler Gordon. Cornerback Terrel Smith had to exit the game early due to an ankle injury, and defensive lineman Andrew Billings also left the game in the second half with a chest issue. The Cardinals had their own challenges, with cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting and defensive lineman Darius Robinson among their inactives.
Looking ahead, the Bears will be set to host the New England Patriots next Sunday, while the Cardinals are preparing to face off against the New York Jets at home the same day.
