The Arizona Cardinals got absolutely hammered this week, falling 30-16 to the Denver Broncos, who were last year’s AFC #1. Here’s the kicker: it was another game where their offense moved the ball but couldn’t punch it in for touchdowns. Again! That’s a brutal pill to swallow, especially when you’re looking for an upset against a team like Denver trying to keep pace with the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
Some Stars Still Shine Bright (Kinda)
Even when things go sideways, you usually find a few guys giving their all, right? For the Cardinals, linebacker Jack Gibbens is straight up their best defensive player. He was everywhere, leading all tacklers with seven. Remember that second quarter where he stuffed running back Jonah Colemand after just a three-yard gain? That’s Gibbens. He even popped J.K. Dobbins on the goal line, though Dobbins still managed to slip off and score. The dude is a wrecking ball.
On offense, tight end Trey McBride is the real deal. He’s their best offensive player, hands down, and a default highlight each week. He showed it with that insane hurdle in the fourth quarter. He was targeted 13 times, catching 10 for 11 yards and the team’s lone score. Seriously, the guy is making plays every single week.
And then there’s kicker Chad Ryland. This is where it gets a little sad, but also a testament to his clutch kicking. Ryland scored nine of the team’s 16 points, connecting on field goals from 30, 26, and 41 yards. After McBride, he’s been their offensive MVP. How wild is that, when your kicker is your second-best offensive MVP? It says a lot about the offense’s struggles to find the end zone.
Oh, and shout out to Larry Fitzgerald. Always a legend. The Cardinals officially enshrined him in their history forever, and honestly, the dude deserves it after everything he gave that team.
When the Wheels Fall Off the Wagon
Now, for the stuff that makes you wanna pull your hair out. The lack of receiver play is just bewildering. You’ve got Michael Wilson and Kendrick Bourne, both exceptional talents, but Wilson only snagged four catches all game. Bourne got six targets but could only corral three catches for a measly nine yards. Jalen Brooks had just one catch. These guys are all good pass catchers! Why aren’t they being utilized more? It’s a huge breakdown, especially when your offense is driving the field but can’t finish.
And speaking of breakdowns, the rushing attack was a no-show. This is a huge, huge problem for the offense. You can’t win in this league, especially in a brutal stretch of the schedule like the Cardinals are in, without a consistent run game to take the pressure off.
This Cardinals team is a real rollercoaster this year. You see those glimmers of hope in every contest, you really do, but the new offense is clearly taking its sweet time to get going. When your kicker and tight end are consistently your top offensive contributors and your receivers aren’t being used, it’s a tough road ahead. They’ve got to find a way to turn those drives into six points instead of three, or this brutal schedule is only going to get tougher.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Revenge of the Birds.
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