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Cardinals strike first after a rare penalty gives them plus field position

A "landing zone" penalty helped the Cardinals start off with amazing field position, leading to a 50-yard Chad Ryland field goal.

Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland (38) kicks a field goal during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Arizona Cardinals took an early 3–0 lead over the Atlanta Falcons thanks to the incredible field position they were gifted on the opening kickoff. You may be wondering, how were they able to get that field position to begin with?