The Bad
Running game
The Cardinals once again wanted to run, at least they said they did. Only, they decided to abandon the run again. Adrian Peterson had just 14 carries.
His 14 carries went for just 26-yards. Gabbert carried the ball three times for 13-yards and Kerwynn Williams carried the ball once for nine-yards.
It was still a game in the fourth but by then the Cardinals were in throwing mode. The offensive line didn’t help. They couldn’t block any of the Texans defensive front on Sunday.
Third down
The Cardinals once again showed they could not keep the offense on the field on third down. They went 3-10 on third down conversions. The certainly doesn’t bode well for keeping the defense well rested.
Fourth down
We get it. It’s frustrating to be left in a fourth and one situation with time ticking on the clock. however with still plenty of time left, the Cardinals went for it on fourth down in their own territory.
So when Bruce Arians went for it, it was not a total surprise but certainly the wrong call. In his post-game comments in a radio interview on Arizona Sports 98.7, he took ownership of making the call.