GLENDALE, AZ—For the third consecutive week, the Arizona Cardinals have lost a football game on a walk-off field goal. The common theme for the Arizona Cardinals this season has been the team’s inability to close out games. This is the National Football League, and allowing teams to hang around is not a recipe for success.
“Felt like we had multiple chances to put away the game in all three phases, and we did not do that. So, collectively, we have to do a better job.” Head Coach Jonathan Gannon said postgame. “It feels like that’s now three games in a row that I am saying the same thing, but until we do a better job, we’re going to keep losing.”
Turning Point
The Arizona Cardinals were leading 21-6, with 12:50 remaining in the 4th quarter. The Arizona Cardinals had possession of the ball, and on third-and-1, running back Emari Demercado broke free for 72 yards.
Emari Demercado should have scored, but instead dropped the football before crossing the goal line. The football went out through the back of the end zone, resulting in a touchback and a change of possession. This play was significant. The Tennessee Titans went on to score 16 unanswered points en route to a 22-21 victory.
Offense Stalls
The Arizona Cardinals came out firing on all cylinders. On their first four possessions, the Cardinals scored 21 points by way of three rushing touchdowns. Running backs Michael Carter, Bam Knight, and quarterback Kyler Murray all found their way to the end zone.
The passing game was clicking. At halftime, Murray completed 12 of 18 passes for 142 yards. Second-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. led the team with 79 yards receiving.
However, it was tough sledding the rest of the game. On the Arizona Cardinals’ final eight possessions, the Cardinals punted on six of those drives. The other two drives ended in turnovers—both fumbles by the offense.
On the Cardinals’ final drive of the game, they had a chance to put the game on ice, but the Cardinals’ offense went conservative with three run calls, gaining only two yards on three plays.
Arizona punted the ball away with two minutes remaining, and the rest is history. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward led a 71-yard drive down the field in 11 plays, and Tennessee Titans kicker Joey Slye made a game-winning 29-yard field goal as time expired.
–Follow Dan Loya on X @DLoya_NFL
