Wide Left: Missed Field Goal is the Difference Why Arizona Cardinals are Now the Media’s Darling

Sep 16, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; The Arizona Cardinals celebrate as New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) lays on the ground after missing a field goal in the last seconds of play during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Arizona Cardinals defeated the New England Patriots 20-18. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE

Imagine if Stephen Gostkowski would have made the field goal at the end of the Cardinals-Patriots game on Sunday.

The media would have been talking about how the Patriots always find a way to win … how the Cardinals are back to being the Cardinals of old … how their victory against the Seahawks in the first game of the season was a fluke … how the Seahawks and Rams wins on Sunday mean that the Cardinals will end up in the cellar of the NFC West.

There would not have been one word about how great their defense played against the Patriots … or how the offense, while unspectacular, got the job done … or how their ability to block kicks can make a big difference in games.

Fortunately, Gostkowski missed that kick.  And instead of the media talking about the above mentioned items, we are hearing about the Cardinals defense being among the most elite in the NFL … how the Niners biggest threat to winning the NFC West will be the Cardinals … how Ray Horton is a genius.

The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

However, it is interesting how one field goal attempt that sailed wide to the left changes the media perception of the other 59 minutes and 55 seconds of Sunday’s game.