Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons Lead Arizona Cardinals at Halftime in Kyler Murray's Return

The Atlanta Falcons hit the locker room holding a 14-12 lead over the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s contest inside State Farm Stadium.

Both defenses started strong, forcing three-and-outs on the first possession. Of note for Atlanta, defensive tackles Kentavius Street and Ta'Quon Graham received starts in place of the injured Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata.

Another injury-related lineup adjustment came at punt returner, with rookie running back Bijan Robinson taking over for Dee Alford, who's inactive due to an ankle injury.

Arizona's second drive was lengthy, lasting 15 plays and netting three points on a 51-yard field goal from kicker Matt Prater.

Trailing 3-0, the Falcons' offense responded, thanks in part to a roughing the passer penalty called on linebacker Dennis Gardeck to extend a drive.

Atlanta capitalized on the penalty, as quarterback Taylor Heinicke hit receiver Scotty Miller for a two-yard touchdown, giving the Falcons a 7-3 lead.

The Cardinals bounced back with a 46-yard field goal from Prater after quarterback Kyler Murray, making his first start this season after tearing his ACL last year, just missed receiver Hollywood Brown in the endzone.

Led by Heinicke and Robinson, the Falcons marched back down the field and responded, as Robinson found paydirt from five yards out for his second rushing score this season.

But this half, which started so slow, quickly turned into a shootout, with Murray guiding the Cardinals into the endzone with 10 seconds left before halftime on a six-yard scamper. Arizona’s two-point try fell incomplete.

In his return to action, Murray finished the first half 11 of 18 for 143 yards.

Heinicke was also effective, completing five of nine passes for 30 yards and adding 27 yards rushing on two scrambles.

But the star of the show for Atlanta’s offense was Robinson, who took nine carries for 50 yards and a score.

The Falcons have already recorded 111 rushing yards on 19 attempts.

Atlanta will receive the second half kickoff.