Revenge of the Birds
The Arizona Cardinals had the game in their hand against the San Francisco 49ers. They led 15-13 with 1:46 remaining, yet lost 16-15.
What happened?
Very late in the fourth quarter, the Niners drove the field and got into close field goal range, then K Eddie Piñeiro nailed a 35-yarder to win the game. Both teams entered the contest 2-0-0. Also in the division, the Los Angeles Rams lost 33-26 to the Philadelphia Eagles while the Seattle Seahawks beat the New Orleans Saints 44-13.
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The win for San Fran placed them in sole possession of first place in the division. This should have been Arizona. But, it wasn’t. And isn’t.
What went wrong? How did this game slip away from the Cardinals?
It was three plays.
With 3:15 remaining in the fourth quarter and the score 13-13, San Francisco was called for a holding penalty in the end zone. By rule, this is a safety. Not only did Arizona receive two points, but they also got possession.
They took possession. After two runs totaling 14 yards, the Cards were in business with a first down at their own 49-yard line with 2:18 left in the game.
A one-yard gain by QB Kyler Murray made it second-and-nine. RB Trey Benson for no gain. This set up third-and-nine from the 50-yard line with 1:54 on the game clock. Snap is good, blocking holds up, Murray spots WR Zay Jones on a crossing route and tosses it just a bit high so that the receiver can gain a little extra space over the cornerback, rookie Upton Stout at the 32-yard line.
Jones jumps slightly, has his eyes affixed on the ball, opens both hands, catches the ball with both gloves as Stout reaches in with his right hand, and as both players are tumbling towards the turf, Jones begins the process of collecting the ball into his stomach, but loses control of the rock once he hits the turf. On three different angles, Stout has his hand in the central area, and his head never has sight of Jones’ midsection. But he never pushes the ball out.
The pass was there. The protection was good. This play was right in front of the Cardinals’ bench, and everyone jumped up in excitement, thinking catch. In the background, several Arizona offensive linemen hold up their hands in the touchdown formation, signifying a completed pass.
The process of the pass completion was not finalized. Stout gets up and celebrates like he has done something. In fact, Stout didn’t even see that the ball had come loose until he stood up. He was thinking pass completion.
A completed pass by Jones becomes a first down. With 1:54 on the clock, this means game, set, match. Four victory formations, and the game is over.
Because of the Jones drop, this forces the Cardinals to punt since they are currently...
