Seattle lost on Sunday, so did the Cardinals. In 11 days, the Cardinals play at Seattle, a team they have already beaten once this season. Why am I burying the lead about the 34-31 loss to Miami? Simple. Finish in the upper half of the NFC West and the Cardinals will be heading to the playoffs in year two under Kyler and Kliff. I believe they will.
It’s easy to second guess the head coach when he goes with the kicker with the game on the line. Zane Gonzalez came up short from 49 yards. It wasn’t wide right or left, it was short!!! Easy to rip the coach for not going for it, but I won’t. If Kenyon Drake were available, would Kingsbury have played the 4th and 1 differently? We’ll never know, but I believe he would.
The Cardinals didn’t score in the fourth quarter. You have to score in the final 15 minutes to win most NFL games. Murray should’ve thrown the ball away on the first quarter play that led to a scoop and score for the Dolphins first touchdown.
I don’t have an answer for why this team continues to have pre-snap/after play penalties. I really don’t know why this continues to be a problem under Kingsbury.
The positive I’ll take from this loss was the return of linebacker Markus Golden. In order for this team to be playing meaningful games late in the season, they have to get better on that side of the ball. I believe there is more than enough on the offensive side. Golden made plays and gave them a lift.
I’ve learned over the years that sometimes you need to bring the fly swatter, while other times a sledgehammer is necessary. Sunday’s loss isn’t one that needs any overreaction. We all saw a game-tying kick travel about 46 yards, when it needed to go 49.
Bring on the Bills.
