Bruce Arians refusal to dismiss the special teams coach may have cost the Arizona Cardinals a playoff appearance at the least
Steve Keim, the general manager of the Arizona Cardinals, should’ve exercised his authority. After all, he IS the boss of head coach Bruce Arians. If Keim had stepped in and demanded special teams coach Amos Jones be fired, maybe the season wouldn’t be kaput.
While not the sole reason, once again the special teams contributed heavily to another defeat. Arizona’s season, for all intents and purposes, came to an end Sunday in a 26-23 loss to the Miami Dolphins. With even a mediocre performance from the unit, the Cards probably would’ve pulled out a win.
There was a missed extra point early on in the contest by Chandler Catanzaro. The snap from Aaron Brewer was high, apparently freaking “Catman” out enough to affect his kick. Holder Drew Butler did manage to get it down, but it’s obvious the kicker can’t convert unless everything goes smoothly.
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Mistake number two occurred in the second quarter. With what appeared to be a perfect snap and hold, Catanzaro shanked a 41-yard field goal. The rain and field conditions obviously were a factor, but nevertheless the kick has to be made.
The real back-breaker was in the fourth quarter. The Cardinals had just gained momentum by driving 99 yards for a touchdown. The point after was not only blocked, but returned to the house, giving Miami a crucial two points.
A 20-yard punt return that set up the Dolphins game-winning field goal drive was another special teams dagger. It allowed the possession to begin at the Arizona 47-yard line, great field position to say the least.
But Arians once again said there’d be no coaching change, it’s the fault of the players, not the coach. Still, when your special teams is a significant reason for too many losses, the unit’s coach must be held responsible. And that’s why Jones really needs to be gone.