GLENDALE, Ariz., Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Rashard Mendenhall scored on a touchdown plunge following a key late penalty Sunday, elevating the Arizona Cardinals over Detroit 25-21.
With Arizona trailing 21-19 and time winding down, Carson Palmer attempted to connect with Andre Roberts on a long pass at the Lions' goal line, and was rewarded with a pass interference call.
That gave the Cardinals a first down at the 1-yard line, and two plays later, Mendenhall (66 yards on 15 carries) bulled in for the decisive score.
Palmer completed 22-of-39 passes for 248 yards, one touchdown and one interception for Arizona (1-1).
Matthew Stafford went 24-for-36 through the air for 278 yards with a pair of scoring strikes to Calvin Johnson (six catches, 116 yards) to lead the Lions (1-1).
