Arizona Cardinals: When a tie is a win, not a loss

The Arizona Cardinals ended in a tie with the Detroit Lions 27-17 on Sunday at State Farm Stadium

On Monday there was much debate what the tie meant to the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions in the season opener for both teams.  For one team, they had to feel like it was a win but a loss to the other.

The Cardinals had to come out feeling like it was a win.  Sure, players have said they don’t like tying.  Running back David Johnson said he hates ties.  We get it.

However given where they were in the fourth quarter down 24-6, to score 18 unanswered points is quite something for the young team.  A rookie quarterback, a rookie coach, neither of whom seemed to get a rhythm going until that fourth quarter, set the stage for the thriller.

Why does it feel like a win for the Cardinals?

The Cardinals had nothing going, absolutely nothing.  They didn’t cross the 50-yard line until the second half.

A 24-6 deficit against a Lions team that looked pretty darn good in the process getting there looked daunting.  Sure there was plenty of time left in the game but to that point in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals had just the two field goals.

Murray finally looked comfortable.  He said he was comfortable all game so maybe that comes down to play calling.  Coach Kliff Kingsbury put the blame on himself for poor play calling early.

Why does it feel like a loss for the Lions?

This one was over.  Even when it was 24-16, the Lions had the ball and all they needed was one more first down to finish the deal.  Then, they got in their own way, multiple times.

They called a timeout when what looked like a beautiful play call and execution was about to complete.  It negated the play and on the next play, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford threw the ball in a heavy rush incomplete.

Then they had a punt partially blocked by Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck.  Lions punter Sam Martin was fuming walking off the field.

If that wasn’t bad enough, they had a crucial face mask penalty on one of the Cardinals scoring drives late that kept the Cardinals moving down the field.  They almost really did lose in overtime as well.

Stafford’s last pass with 10 seconds remaining in the overtime period went right into the hands of Cardinals cornerback Tramaine Brock Sr.  He couldn’t corral the catch though and the game ended in a tie.