THE STORY: Paris Johnson Jr. is a key player for the Cardinals, always ready to discuss the team’s performance after every game, win or lose. This past Sunday, after a narrow 22-21 loss to the Titans, he faced the media again, sharing familiar feelings of frustration.
“Finish, finish, finish,” he repeated, questioning why the team keeps letting close games slip away.
The Cardinals, now 2-3, felt the sting of another tight defeat. They started strong, capturing a 21-6 lead with a spectacular 43-yard catch by Marvin Harrison Jr. However, a critical mistake by running back Emari Demercado turned a likely game-sealing touchdown into a turnover, leading to Tennessee’s comeback.
“I don’t know what to think about that,” said quarterback Kyler Murray. This loss ranks high on the list of painful defeats for him, perhaps number one in his career.
Coach Jonathan Gannon took responsibility, stating, “That’s three games in a row where I’m saying the same thing.” He acknowledged the need to reassess strategies to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
On a positive note, the Cardinals achieved 361 yards of offense, their highest this season. They scored on 3 of 4 red zone attempts. However, penalties marred their performance, negating key plays, like a long catch by tight end Trey McBride.
Guard Will Hernandez made a return after a year off, helping lead the offense in the first four series. The team also rushed for 169 yards, thanks in part to Demercado’s earlier long run. Despite their potential, Gannon recognized they need to be more consistent.
In the closing moments, with the team nursing a two-point lead, the Cardinals failed to secure a first down, allowing the Titans to take the win. “We need to do better than that,” Gannon said, emphasizing there’s more to learn each game.
As they face upcoming matches against strong teams like the Colts and Packers, Gannon stressed the urgency of improving. “The clock is ticking,” he said, highlighting that everyone, from players to coaches, must step up.
Johnson expressed hope that this setback won’t dampen their spirit. “We have 12 games to go. The story of the Cardinals is not done yet.” With the season still ongoing, time is of the essence for them to learn and grow from these experiences.
As the NFL season progresses, teams often reveal how they handle tough losses. An analysis from ESPN found that only 23% of teams with three consecutive losses make the playoffs, making it crucial for the Cardinals to bounce back quickly. As their challenges continue, fans are watching closely, hoping for a turnaround in the coming weeks.
For more insights on team performance and player statistics, you can visit [ESPN](https://www.espn.com).
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