Eric Sorenson
Every NFL game tells a story. Unfortunately for Cardinals quarterback John Skelton the ending wasn’t a happy one in the Red Birds 19-16 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills (3-3).
Out with a high ankle sprain since the season opener, the Cards (4-2) called Skelton out of the bullpen late in the 4th quarter after starter Kevin Kolb left with an apparent rib/chest injury.
After Jay Feely’s incredible 61-yard field goal tied the game, Skelton moved the Red Birds deep into Buffalo territory following a 28-yard completion to Larry Fitzgerald in the closing seconds. The stage was set for another Feely game-winner, but his 38-yard bounced off the upright on the final play of regulation.
Following a Bills punt, Skelton was faced with a third and ten from his own 20. His short pass over the middle intended for tight end Rob Housler was intercepted by free safety Jairus Byrd (his second of the game) who returned it 29 yards to the Arizona six.
“We had a scissors route outside,” Skelton explained. “The backside safety who you almost never take into account came back across and picked it. He made a nice play.”
Two plays later Rian Lindell’s 25-yard field goal sent the Cards home with their second-straight loss.
It’s the kind of up and down play we’ve seen from Skelton as the on-again, off-again starter.
“It was unfortunate…that it came out that way,” head coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “Because John made a big throw to Larry to put us in position to kick the field goal to win it.”
It’s also unfortunate the Cards are taking a two-game losing streak into a three-game stretch which includes the improved Vikings in Minneapolis, a Monday night matchup against the NFC West Champion 49ers, followed by trip to Lambeau Field to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
Kolb had x-rays taken after the game. His status for Sunday against Minnesota is unknown at this point, but Whisenhunt said they hope to have an update on Monday.
