The Arizona Cardinals were embarrassed on the road, falling to the Cincinnati Bengals 37-14. It was another noncompetitive performance for the last-place team in the NFC West. The Arizona Cardinals are in the midst of an eight-game losing streak and have been outscored 280-155 during this stretch. It’s no secret why this team hasn’t won a football game in 55 days. The Cardinals have allowed more than 26 points in seven of their last eight games, and the offense has scored fewer than 20 points in five of those games.
“Obviously disappointing. Had a couple of chances to make it a game, couldn’t make it a game,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said postgame. “I think it really comes down to, for me, this game was third down. They converted a bunch. We didn’t. They stayed on the field. We didn’t. They scored points. We didn’t. Got out of hand. So, we’ll be back at it tomorrow.”
Through the first three quarters, the Cincinnati Bengals were 9-for-12 on third down. I mention these quarters only because the Bengals, who had a 30-point lead, replaced their starters in the fourth quarter. On the other hand, it was another lackluster performance for the Arizona Cardinals’ offense. They generated 233 total yards, but 147 of those yards came in ‘garbage time’. The team punted on six of its nine offensive possessions. The Arizona Cardinals didn’t convert a third down until the third quarter, finishing the game just 3-of-13 on third down.
Arizona’s Defense Dismantled
The Cincinnati Bengals finished with 37 points, but could have scored more if they wanted to. The Bengals generated 429 yards and averaged 5.8 yards per play. Joe Burrow was masterful on Sunday, completing 24 of his 31 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase was on the receiving end of both scores. Chase finished with seven receptions and 60 receiving yards.
Running back Chase Brown had a solid game, producing 141 total yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Cincinnati was so comfortable on offense that the team decided to throw a pass to former Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Cody Ford, who caught the pass, broke a few tackles, and ran for 21 yards. “It was drawn up earlier in the week,” Ford said postgame. “We had mentioned it last night, ‘hey, if we get up some points, we’re calling Cody’s play,’ so that’s what happened.”
Red Zone Woes Continue
The Arizona Cardinals’ red zone defense is trending in the wrong direction. Arizona has allowed opponents to score touchdowns on 100% of their red-zone possessions over their last two games. The Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals were a combined 8-for-8 inside the red area. The lack of improvement week to week is definitely a cause for concern for this Arizona Cardinals’ coaching staff.
McBride’s Record-Breaking Performance
There aren’t many players in the league better than tight end Trey McBride. The Pro Bowl tight end caught 10 of his 13 targets for 76 yards and one touchdown in Week 17.
Through 16 games, Trey McBride has recorded 119 receptions, 1,174 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. His 119 receptions are the most in a single season in franchise history, surpassing WR DeAndre Hopkins (115 in 2020).
Additionally, Trey McBride now holds the record for the most receptions in a season by a tight end in NFL history, breaking Zach Ertz’s record set in 2018. “I’m proud of him. He shows up to work every day and battles. He’s one of the best players out there,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said. “I’m down about the team, and I know he’s down about the team, but I don’t want to overlook that. He has had a fantastic year.”
–Follow Dan Loya on X @DLoya_NFL
