Things are Looking Up for Arizona Cardinals Despite Close Loss

The Arizona Cardinals failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity to earn consecutive wins for the first time this season. But it wasn’t all bad. 

The Arizona Cardinals had the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles on their heels as they lost 20-17 in a nail biter that many feel they should have won. The Cardinals got off to another slow start which has become an issue that has plagued them so far this season.

However, Kyler Murray and the offense were able to bounce back from an early 14-0 deficit as they scored 10 points before halftime. Even though they lost a game that they definitely should have won, the Cardinals defense played well as they gave the team a realistic chance to get the victory.

The defense held a top five scoring offense to just 20 points as they were lights out in the second half, holding the Eagles offense to just two field goals. Philadelphia is seventh in the NFL in passing yards per game and the Cardinals defense only gave up a total of 239 (218 net) through the air, which is good considering the dangerous weapons Jalen Hurts has at his disposal.

Dallas Goedert was the Eagles leading receiver with 95 yards, and DeVonta Smith had 10 catches for 87 yards. The secondary was able to keep star receiver A.J. Brown in check as he was held to just 32 yards on 3 catches.

Arizona Cardinals showed up big against the Eagles

The secondary did not allow any touchdown passes, but the defense had a bit of trouble containing the run. Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell ran for a combined 78 yards, but they couldn’t stop Hurts as the dual threat quarterback managed to find the end zone twice.

Despite Hurts having a huge day running the ball, this was a winnable game that the Arizona Cardinals had in their grasp and they let it slip away. The finger pointing will probably continue until the Cardinals are able to take the field next Sunday and put this loss behind them.

And yes, head coach Kliff Kingsbury should have had some sort of game plan in place for end game situations. Can’t fully blame quarterback Kyler Murray for the loss, because even though he could have managed the clock better and could have actually gotten a first down, he did get the team in decent range for a field goal attempt.

Even though it’s a lot of pressure to make game winning field goals,  you would think that a 43-yarder should be automatic for any kicker on a NFL roster. The truth of the matter is that the situation could’ve been a lot worse. Imagine if Murray would’ve tried to hurry up and convert on fourth and one, and ended up stopped or turning the ball over.

If that scenario plays out then there exists zero chance to win the game. Matt Amendola failed to deliver on the field goal attempt that would’ve sent the game to overtime but that’s just how it goes sometimes.

Yes, there are many things that will be said about how Kingsbury could have better managed that situation and how Murray should have ben more aware of where the first down marker was located, and all of those are valid points. Even though this loss stings, all is not lost as the Cardinals are now 2-3 on the season as they are currently tied for second place in the NFC West.

On a lighter note, All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins is set to return next week and is expected to come in fill that void of the big playmaker that Murray appears to be missing. When he returns, the Cardinals might just return to their dominant ways.

(Statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference)