The Situation: In Tampa, quarterback Jocoby Brissett faced repeated questions after the Cardinals’ 20-17 loss to the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. This was the seventh game this season where the Cardinals lost by four points or less. “It always comes down to execution,” Brissett reflected, echoing a familiar refrain.
The Cardinals (3-9) have seen this story unfold too many times. Despite outgaining the Bucs (7-5) in total yards, they couldn’t clinch a key first down late in the game. With under two minutes left and trailing by three, a fourth-and-2 pass to Michael Wilson fell short, leading to more discussions about missed opportunities.
Coach Jonathan Gannon praised the team’s fight but emphasized the need for better strategies. “It’s all about putting players in the right positions,” he noted, calling for attention to detail from the coaching staff.
The Cardinals amassed 386 yards compared to the Buccaneers’ 279, but Tampa’s quarterback Baker Mayfield made crucial plays despite nursing a left shoulder sprain. His ability to evade sacks allowed him to throw the ball away when necessary, avoiding negative plays.
Marvin Harrison Jr. returned after an appendectomy, contributing six receptions for 69 yards before leaving with a heel injury. Tight end Trey McBride shined in the second half, racking up 82 yards and a touchdown.
However, Gannon pointed out missed opportunities that could have shifted the game’s outcome. With a missed field goal, an interception in the red zone, and a failed fourth-and-1 run, “the math is easy,” he said. Each missed chance directly impacted the final score.
“We settled down, but we can’t wait until the second half,” Brissett stated, having thrown for over 300 yards for the fourth time this season. The Cardinals did manage to score a touchdown late, with a 15-yard pass from Brissett to McBride. The defense also held the Bucs to a punt shortly after.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson had optimism. “There was still a lot of football to be played,” he said, highlighting the possibility of a comeback.
In the final minutes, with just under two minutes left, the offense had a shot to win. But despite moving the ball, Brissett’s final throws fell incomplete. “The defense did their job all day,” he acknowledged, expressing his belief that victory was within reach.
This season, many teams find themselves in similar situations. According to a recent study, NFL teams losing close games often struggle with consistency. As the Cardinals look to improve, they must find a way to convert potential into victory, instead of just promising performance.
As they prepare for future games, the Cardinals know they need to focus on turning those opportunities into wins. Keeping tabs on execution, both on offense and defense, will be crucial if they hope to leave this season’s heartbreaking losses behind.
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