Josh Weinfuss
TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has misplaced 48 video games in his seven-year NFL profession however Sunday's 22-21 defeat to the Tennessee Titans might need stung probably the most. And never as a result of it was the latest.
“I do not actually know what to consider that,” Murray stated. “I do not even know. I actually do not even know. That is ‘Methods to Lose a Recreation 101.' I do not know. It was loopy.”
Arizona gave up a 21-3 result in the worst staff in soccer to turn out to be the primary franchise because the 1970 NFL-AFL merger to lose three straight video games on game-winning subject objectives.
Murray stated he has by no means fairly felt like he did after this loss: “This may be No. 1.”
He added: “That was unhealthy. That was unhealthy. Dangerous. Throughout, it was unhealthy.”
Within the first quarter, the Cardinals regarded like they picked up the place they left off from the fourth quarter of their Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, when their offensive woes lastly dissolved. Within the first quarter-hour Sunday, Arizona scored 14 factors, vast receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had three catches for 79 yards and Murray threw for 102 yards.
Arizona was, as coach Jonathan Gannon put it, capable of “do no matter we wish.”
Then the paralysis that has hampered Arizona's offense in 10 of the previous 12 quarters kicked in, coupled with a slew of gaffes and penalties. Regardless of gaining 224 yards within the last three quarters, Arizona did not produce a degree after its last landing, which got here with 10:49 left within the second quarter.
“Factors are often a great indicator of how nicely we executed,” Harrison stated.
Arizona botched two performs within the fourth quarter that may've sealed the win. The primary was when operating again Emari Demercado dropped the soccer earlier than crossing the purpose line after breaking free for what would have been a 72-yard landing. The ball rolled out of the again of the tip zone for a touchback, giving the ball to the Titans, who started their comeback with a landing drive.
“I simply made a mistake,” Demercado stated. “There's actually no excuse. Simply let the ball go. Clearly emotional, huge play, however I simply received to be smarter.”
If Demercado had scored and the Cardinals hit the additional level, they'd have been up by 22, possible placing the sport out of attain, Murray stated. Groups forward by 22 within the fourth quarter are 1,276-1 over the previous 25 seasons.
It was the sixth time since 2008 {that a} play went from a landing to a touchback. And Demercado's 71-yard rush was the longest dashing play to finish in a misplaced fumble since 1978. It additionally tied for the second-longest play from scrimmage to finish in a misplaced fumble, behind Adonai Mitchell's 75-yard reception final week, which he additionally dropped on the 1-yard line.
Gannon stated Arizona teaches particular teaching factors involving performs similar to Demercado's, however the coach declined to say what they're. Murray known as Demercado certainly one of his closest mates on the staff and stated he by no means anticipated that sort of play from him.
“I do know his character. I do know his IQ of the sport. And by no means in one million years would I feel that Emari would try this,” Murray stated. “However clearly, all of us make errors. He'll take that on the chin. He understands that.”
Later within the fourth quarter, security Dadrion Taylor-Demerson intercepted a go from Titans quarterback Cam Ward that was deflected by Arizona linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. However Taylor-Demerson fumbled as he was going to the bottom, and the ball ricocheted off cornerback Kei'Trel Clark's foot and was recovered in the long run zone by Tennessee vast receiver Tyler Lockett for a landing, which pulled the Titans inside 21-19 with 4:39 left.
“Typically the ball takes humorous bounces,” Gannon stated. “Seen that occur, loopy bounces earlier than. It is unlucky, nevertheless it occurs.”
“I do know his character. I do know his IQ of the sport. And by no means in one million years would I feel that Emari would try this. However clearly all of us make errors.”
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray on Emari Demercado's goal-line fumble
These have been the 2 performs that would have prevented or ended the Titans' comeback, however others — such because the snap that bounced off Murray's facemask within the third quarter — additionally contributed. Murray stated the snap challenge was a miscommunication. He injured a foot on the play and missed two performs earlier than returning, however the offense wasn't proper after. Murray had simply six go makes an attempt and no dashing yards after returning.
Penalties additionally performed a job. Arizona was flagged eight instances, together with for 2 pre-snap infractions. The Cardinals have been additionally penalized twice for unlawful formations. Late within the second quarter, as Arizona was operating its two-minute offense, a holding penalty on proper deal with Jonah Williams negated a 32-yard go to tight finish Trey McBride that may have moved the Cardinals near midfield. Two performs later, Murray was flagged for intentional grounding. As an alternative of marching close to the 50, Arizona punted from its personal 3.
“I simply assume should you have a look at the errors, I feel we performed nicely sufficient to win the sport, however essential, bonehead errors simply gave them an opportunity to remain within the sport,” Murray stated. “I feel they have been actually a play away from quitting, however we left them, and we stored them within the sport.”
