Revenge of the Birds
The Arizona Cardinals have lost four games in a row with a 31-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The Cardinals, just like every game this season, had the lead in the fourth quarter and couldn’t close. The Colts came in with a 4-1-0 record, so they are on top of the standings and attempted to advance with a loss by their division foe Jacksonville Jaguars.
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After beginning the season 2-0-0, Arizona now sits at 2-4-0. Somehow, this losing streak has to stop as the Cardinals sink further down the standings in the NFC West Division. Every team in the division is currently 4-2-0, except for Arizona.
Who played well for the Cardinals against Indianapolis? Who didn’t?
TE Trey McBride – Finally, a game that featured the Cardinals’ best receiver. Had a nice 26-yard reception early in the game and went 11 yards in the following quarter by beating LB Germain Pratt. The TD catch early in the third quarter was spectacular, and an indication of why this offense should be using him more in the Red Zone. Had 11 targets, eight receptions for 72 yards, and one score.
K Chad Ryland – Made both field goal attempts, went 3-3 on PATs, and was consistent with kickoff placement. Accounted for nine points. Nice game.
LB Mack Wilson – His interception might have been a pick-six if he had been able to keep his feet, but a great play nonetheless. It was a shame it did not lead to points. Led all Cardinal defenders with nine tackles, one for a loss, plus one batted pass.
Third down efficiency – The Cardinals were able to move the sticks frequently as they converted nine of 14 third-down opportunities, which is a high percentage. The third-and-17 converted with a 26-yard Jacoby Brissett to McBride connection in the first quarter was a thing of beauty as Brissett tossed a strike.
Lack of consistent pass rush – One glaring stat was that with all the horses on this Arizona defense, there was only one sack by Baron Browning. Colts QB Daniel Jones had time on just about every passing down. Granted, Indy kept in six players each time to block, adding either an RB or a TE to block.
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Red Zone defense – Indianapolis scored each time they got close, going 4-4 in the Red Zone.
Coverage of tight end – Colts Rookie TE Tyler Warren seemed to be open for most of the game. With 13:06 left in the first quarter, he was all alone after blocking his man, then going out five yards into an open zone, which ended up being a 24-yard gain. Later in the quarter, with a first-and-goal, all Warren did was set up right behind TE Mo Alie-Cox, fake a block on the defensive end, delay his route, then cross and was wide open. Where were the linebackers in coverage? CB Will...
