The Arizona Cardinals’ latest primetime loss against a seemingly inferior opponent was nothing short of baffling. While some would point to injuries, missed opportunities, or simple bad luck, there were larger themes at play that cannot be ignored. It’s time to break down the good, the bad, and the ugly from a game that exposed more than just weak execution.
The Good: A Glimmer of Hope in a Sea of Struggles
Let’s start with the few bright spots in an otherwise grim performance. Despite the overall defeat, the Cardinals displayed flashes of offensive firepower that should give fans at least a glimpse of optimism for the future.
Joshua Dobbs’ resilience was on display, even though his numbers don’t necessarily reflect his determination. He showed poise in the pocket and his ability to make plays with his legs when needed. On a night when much of the offense seemed to stall, Dobbs kept things moving when the defense allowed him to. However, this can be seen as a double-edged sword—what does it say about the playcalling when your quarterback’s best plays come from improvisation?
Additionally, Zayven Collins and Buda Baker gave standout performances on defense. The two played with heart and aggression, frequently making stops that held the opponent back from gaining too much ground. In a game where the defense often bent but didn’t break, these players were the few who stepped up and played their part in keeping the team competitive for longer than many expected.
The Bad: Coaching Confusion and Lack of Consistency
However, the good doesn’t overshadow the glaring issues that plagued the team throughout the night. The most glaring of all was the inconsistent and sometimes downright puzzling coaching decisions. Whether it was the poor clock management in the first half or the inexplicable lack of adjustments in the second half, it was clear that the coaching staff had no clear game plan.
It’s hard to understand the lack of urgency in the game’s final stages. With the clock winding down and the offense needing to move quickly, there was an apparent lack of tempo in critical moments. The decision to run the ball on several second-and-long situations seemed misguided, especially when the defense was forcing the Cardinals to abandon any semblance of a running game. The lack of aggressive play calling raised serious questions about whether head coach Jonathan Gannon is equipped to make the tough calls when it matters most.
Furthermore, the playcalling on offense was painfully predictable. The run game was non-existent for long stretches, and when it did show signs of life, it was shut down quickly. A lack of creativity in the passing game made it easy for the defense to read and react, and without utilizing more misdirection or play-action, the offense appeared one-dimensional.
The Ugly: A Culture of Mediocrity
While individual mistakes can often be chalked up to human error or bad luck, what was truly ugly about this game was the underlying sense of a culture that breeds mediocrity. When a team struggles to get anything going for the majority of a primetime game, it’s more than just a loss—it’s a sign that the culture needs to change from top to bottom.
This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Cardinals, but after this performance, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the team has more to worry about than just their roster. The lack of urgency and preparation for big moments is concerning. There were moments where the Cardinals seemed content to simply be competitive rather than truly fighting for a win. That lack of “killer instinct” is evident not just in the players, but in the approach of the coaching staff and the front office.
With key decisions coming up in the offseason, including what direction to take with the quarterback position and whether to truly rebuild or try to contend, this loss offers a harsh reality check. If the Cardinals want to escape this cycle of mediocrity, they’ll need to revamp not just the roster, but the entire structure and mindset of the team.
Conclusion: A Loss That Can’t Be Swept Under the Rug
As we look back on the Arizona Cardinals’ primetime loss, the game highlights the complex layers of problems the team faces. While there were moments of individual brilliance, the coaching inconsistencies and lack of team-wide urgency will be remembered long after this game fades from memory. This loss can’t be easily swept under the rug—it’s a reflection of a franchise at a crossroads. The question now is whether the Cardinals will respond with the necessary changes or continue to fall into the trap of mediocrity. Only time will tell, but if this game is any indication, significant changes might be the only way