Arizona Cardinals

Speed bump: Cardinals rookie Nelson leaves Bengals in pursuit

Published Nov. 23, 2015 3:52 a.m. ET

foxsports

Blazing speed has not translated into production for Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver J.J. Nelson. Until Sunday night.

Nelson got a chance to get on the field due to an injury to fellow wideout Michael Floyd and made the most of his opportunity, helping the Cardinals fend off the Cincinnati Bengals 34-31 to post their fourth straight victory.

The speedy Nelson, who ran the fastest 40-yard time (4.28) at this year's NFL Combine, hauled in four receptions for 142 yards in a touchdown - not a bad night for a player who had three catches entering the game.

"Coach came to me early this week, he was like, 'We got one down. I'm expecting you to step up,' " Nelson said. "I just rose to the occasions."

Nelson showed the wheels that opened eyes at the Combine on Arizona's first possession of the second half. He broke free in the secondary and was hit in stride by Carson Palmer for a 64-yard scoring strike.

It was the first touchdown of Nelson's career and ignited a 21-point third quarter that turned a seven-point deficit into a 28-14 lead for the Cardinals entering the final 15 minutes. He also had an 18-yard reception on Arizona's last-minute drive for the gave-winning field goal.

"Had some big shoes to fill," Nelson said. "Michael Floyd's ... been having a great season, so I just tried to pick up where he left off."

Watch this 64-yard TD to J.J. Nelson and answer: Does anyone throw a better deep ball than Carson Palmer? #CINvsAZ https://t.co/UXj3HihByH
— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2015