Cardinals and Giants scoreless after first quarter marked by turnovers

Turnovers keep Cardinals and Giants scoreless

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A forced fumble by Giants defensive end Justin Tuck and an interception by Cardinals safety Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie kept Arizona and New York scoreless after the first quarter of Sunday night’s nationally televised game.

The Cardinals had a chance to score on their opening series, moving from their 34 to the New York 27 in three plays, highlighted by a 23-yard pass from Kurt Warner to Steve Breaston on the opening play from scrimmage.

However, Tuck tackled Tim Hightower for a loss on a first down from the Giants 27 and stripped the ball with safety Michael Johnson recovering.

The officials initially ruled Hightower down by contact. Giants coach Tom Coughlin challenged the call and the ruling on the field was overturned.

New York’s best opportunity came on its second possession when halfback Brandon Jacobs opened the drive with a 17-yard run, more yards than the Cardinals gave up rushing last week in a win over Seattle.

With a second-and-4 at the Cardinals 47, Eli Manning went to Domenik Hixon on a deep post pattern, only to see Rodgers-Cromartie win the jump ball in the end zone between the 6-foot-2 players.

Giants starting right tackle Kareem McKenzie was inactive for the game because of a groin injury, ending a streak of 38 consecutive regular-season starts by the offensive line.

Rookie Will Beatty replaced McKenzie.