The NFL rarely offers easy victories, yet the Arizona Cardinals missed a significant chance to defeat the Tennessee Titans.
Holding a 21-6 lead at halftime, the Cardinals’ errors allowed the Titans to capitalize on several second-half fumbles, leading to a 22-21 victory.
This marks the third consecutive week the Cardinals lost due to a last-second field goal.
However, the game should not have come down to the wire.
Insights: Cardinals Fall to Titans
Kellan Olson, co-host of Arizona Sports at Night
Following last week’s loss, head coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned the team’s pass-heavy strategy stemmed from avoiding a close match-up with Seattle. This week, Arizona seemingly chose not to seize winning opportunities, leaving it to the Titans, who capitalized.
This shows a team lacking both identity and confidence.
The focus now shifts to the front office, which lacks foresight in assessing an offense with a fragile foundation, supported by a struggling offensive line and inconsistent skill players beyond tight end Trey McBride. The defense decisions were sound initially, yet the front office should recognize the team’s limitations, especially in a crucial year for evaluating Kyler Murray.
Luke Lapinski, co-host of Wolf & Luke
My reaction after that performance may not be pleasant.
John Gambadoro, co-host of Burns & Gambo
This is disappointing, heartbreaking, and inexcusable. Losing at home with a three-score lead against the NFL’s weakest team is unacceptable.
With the Cardinals now at 2-3, this season has not met expectations. The ability to recover from this loss is in question. Drew Petzing’s offense, which initially thrived, stalled, allowing the Titans to strike back.
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson’s near game-clinching interception turned critical when he fumbled, leading to a Titans touchdown that narrowed the score to 21-19.
Vince Marotta, co-host of Bickley & Marotta
As Jack Buck famously said, “I can’t believe what I just saw.” This loss to the NFL’s worst team stands out as the most crushing I’ve witnessed in over three decades of following the Cardinals.
Coming off a string of narrow victories, the Cardinals squandered a commanding first-half lead. Their conservative strategy before halftime squandered an opportunity to further extend their lead.
Dave Burns, co-host of Burns & Gambo
This loss raises questions about the adequacy of the roster, drafting strategies, coaching effectiveness, and the quarterback’s capabilities. It erodes faith and raises doubts about future prospects for the team.
The aftermath of this defeat may linger; it was a pivotal moment that simply must not occur.
Tyler Drake, co-host of Cardinals Corner
Just when it seemed the Cardinals were ready to improve, they discovered yet another way to lose, potentially marking one of their worst losses.
Despite a strong first-half performance, the second half reverted to sloppy play. Critical mental lapses cost them dearly, as moments like Demercado’s fumble provided the Titans the breath of life they needed.
With the 4-1 Colts next on the schedule, the path toward redemption looks daunting.
