Arizona Cardinals’ offense comes up small in primetime
By Jim Koch
The offense of the Arizona Cardinals failed to show up for an all-important divisional showdown against the Seattle Seahawks
The Arizona Cardinals’ defense had done their best. They had held the Seattle Seahawks to 13 points through three quarters of their primetime matchup. The unit had held up well, now all they needed was some assistance from the offensive side of the ball.
By the time a bit of help did arrive, it was too late. Andre Ellington’s late touchdown run got the Cardinals closer, but it wasn’t enough. A failed onside kick followed, and Arizona had lost 22-16.
It wasn’t as if Drew Stanton and company didn’t have opportunities to put points on the board. A perfectly-thrown ball by the signal-caller went right through the hands of speedy wideout J.J. Nelson. The play occurred right before halftime, and would’ve put the Cards ahead at the time.
That wasn’t the only dropped ball for the squad. There were two more in the third quarter, one by John Brown and another by Nelson. Tight end Jermaine Gresham joined the fun, dropping what looked like a sure-fire touchdown in the fourth quarter.
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The mishaps weren’t all on the pass-catchers. Stanton overthrew Nelson on a play that would’ve went for big yards in the second quarter. Carson Palmer’s backup was off the mark again in the final quarter, missing John Brown deep for what may have resulted in a score.
Though the offensive line gave Stanton ample time to throw, their run-blocking was horrendous. Arizona’s group of blockers were manhandled like ragdolls by Seattle’s front seven. Adrian Peterson saw very little daylight, gaining just 29 yards on 21 carries.
Stanton remains as mediocre as ever. It’s apparent that once a player gains the loyalty of head coach Bruce Arians, as the 33-year old has, it lasts forever. Hopefully, Blaine Gabbert will get a chance to show what he can do at some point in what’s looking like a lost year.
Perhaps the Cardinals would’ve had a shot at beating the Seahawks if the offense would’ve held up their end of the bargain. The defense deserved more of a contribution from the scoring side of the ball. Arizona isn’t talented enough to win when only half of their team shows up to play.
NFL players make alot of coin to do a job. Based on Thursday night, the offense should consider giving some of that money back. They’ll have to be much better going forward if they plan on winning any more games in 2017.