An Uncle Rico Production
He’d just completed his season’s inaugural 100-yard game, a performance that deserved more recognition for the Cardinals. However, as James Conner and his crew departed from State Farm Stadium on that Sunday, they faced the sting of a 31-28 setback against the New York Giants. This is not a new feeling for us Arizona fans, and yet it still hurts everytime.
We should expect it, really. Technically, we’re idiots for expecting anything else.
Anybody who watches ASU Football, the Cardinals, or even the Phoenix Suns (Rose Bowl ‘97, Robert Horry’s “Kiss of Death,” Santonio Holmes BFToe, Suns blowing a 2-0 NBA Finals in four games); our teams absolutely hate us. But no team hates playing in front of a home crowd more than the Arizona Cardinals.
Our home record since Kyler Murray became QB is abysmal. Embarrassing. A mathematical anomaly. If we win 3 home games a year, that is considered a winning home record for us. Granted, half of the stadium is filled with transplanters who come from other states to take advantage of the great living conditions which Arizona has to offer. Yet, somehow, they are always SO PROUD to tell us natives how great their hometown is. How great the food is. How great the bars are. How much better everything is.
If it’s really that great, go back. Seriously. Last thing this true Desert Rat wants is more Californians coming & making AZ unlivable; kinda like California. Still, they never do. They show up with “Terrible Towels” & “Kiss Me, I’m From Jersey” t-shirts, pretending they still live in the five boroughs. And they were there to cheer on Mr. Jones’ comeback like a “true-New Yorker.”
But the most unfortunate part of the loss was not the Giants fans leaving happy. It was the fact that the loss overshadowed so many positives throughout the first 3 quarters. Conner’s solid production at running back, Joshua Dobbs’ enhanced quarterback play after a week looking like a freshman high school QB, and one of the most impressive halves the team ever showcased.
Losses overshadow accomplishments. It’s just what it is.
The stark contrast between four offensive touchdowns in this game and none in the previous week presented a different dynamic for the Cardinals, making them align with Coach Jonathan Gannon’s expectations. By halftime, the scoreboard showed a promising 20-0 lead for the Cardinals, and they further expanded their lead to 28-7 halfway into the third quarter.
But the Giants, who hadn’t surmounted a 21-point lag since 1949, staged a staggering comeback in the latter half, racking up 358 yards, securing four consecutive touchdowns, and sealing their victory with a 34-yard field goal by Graham Gano in the closing seconds.
In response to the Giants’ early second-half touchdown, the Cardinals managed a touchdown. Yet, their next three drives only amounted to 29 yards, resulting in punts, as the Giants steadily closed the gap.
While Gannon shouldered the responsibility for the Cardinals’ lapses, chances were still present, even as the Giants mounted their comeback. Before reaching the midpoint of the second quarter, the Cardinals had already exceeded their total yardage from their season-opener. Dobbs appeared more at ease, completing 21 out of 31 passes for 228 yards, delivering a touchdown pass to Hollywood Brown, and executing a remarkable 23-yard touchdown sprint.
Their strong performance was evident as they troubled Giants’ quarterback Daniel Jones in the initial half. However, their momentum waned post-halftime, with Jones amassing 259 yards, tossing two touchdowns, and scoring another on foot. If Conner consistently delivers as he did with his 106 yards and a touchdown, it’ll be a boost for the Cardinals’ offense, echoing Dobbs’ aspirations.
“We’ve got to finish. We had the ball in our hands in a tie game, and we have to give ourselves a chance to finish by executing and playing the same way we played throughout the game.”
-Cardinals QB Joshua Dobbs
Yet, following two consecutive matches where late-game leads slipped away, the primary goal for the Cardinals coaching staff is figuring out how to close tight games. With the news of Budda Baker’s IR designation for the next four weeks (and trade talks with the Philadelphia Eagles garnering more attention), no Kyler Murray in the foreseeable future, and a lack of old franchise vets holding the locker room together, getting W’s will be more difficult than ever.
That is, if that is even their goal this year.
Tell me you wouldn’t trade Caleb Williams for Kyler Murray right now & I’ll show you a liar.
