INDIANAPOLIS, IN—The Arizona Cardinals have lost four consecutive games for the first time since the 2023 season. This is the second time it has happened under Head Coach Jonathan Gannon. “We’re in a tough spot right now. Four in a row is tough. But we’ll be resilient,” Jonathan Gannon said postgame.
After six weeks, the Arizona Cardinals have a record of 2-4. Their four losses have come by a total of nine points combined. The Cardinals have been competitive in every game, but have struggled to perform consistently for a full 60 minutes. “Obviously disappointing, that’s a good football team,” Gannon said following the loss to Indianapolis. “I thought we did some good things today, but ultimately not enough to win the game.”
Cardinals’ Offense Shows Life
The Arizona Cardinals’ offense, without Kyler Murray, tallied 400 net yards and scored a season-high 27 points. However, the strong offensive performance wasn’t enough to secure victory.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 27-of-44 passes for 320 yards and two passing touchdowns. Tight end Trey McBride led the Arizona Cardinals with 11 targets. He caught eight passes for 72 yards and one touchdown.
Second-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. suffered a concussion in the second quarter and did not return. The Cardinals’ receivers rose to the occasion. Zay Jones had five receptions for 79 receiving yards, Michael Wilson made some clutch catches, and Greg Dortch found the end zone for the first time this season.
The difference in the game came down to red zone efficiency. The Arizona Cardinals were only 3-for-6 on red zone opportunities. On the other hand, Indianapolis was perfect, going 4-for-4 in the red zone—scoring four touchdowns.
Missed Scoring Opportunity
At the start of the 2nd quarter, the Arizona Cardinals’ defense put the offense in a great position following a Mack Wilson Sr. interception. However, the Cardinals squandered the golden opportunity when quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw an interception two plays later. Colts defensive back Nick Cross disrupted Zay Jones’ route, and Brissett’s pass hit Mekhi Blackmon square in the chest. The officials did not throw a flag on the play.
Taylor Runs Wild
The Arizona Cardinals’ defense had no answers for running back Jonathan Taylor. The star running back rushed for 123 yards on 21 carries (5.9 YPC). His one-yard rushing score late in the fourth quarter ended up being the difference in the game.
“Jonathan Taylor is a good player. We knew that coming in,” Head Coach Jonathan Gannon said. “I thought he had a little too much today.”
What’s Next
The Arizona Cardinals’ run defense will need to make improvements quickly as running back Josh Jacobs and the Green Bay Packers travel to State Farm Stadium in Week 7.
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