TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — A formidable s confirmed that these Arizona Cardinals have potential to be a much-improved soccer crew.
The next lopsided loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday confirmed simply how far they need to go to succeed in that potential and compete within the loaded NFC West.
Arizona's house shedding streak is now at eight video games and greater than 360 days s, who’re the defending Tremendous Bowl champions and appear to be one of many early favorites once more this season.
There's definitely no disgrace in shedding to Seattle, however the Seahawks' 24-0 benefit within the second half, together with a 16-play, 70-yard drive to shut out the sport, didn't sit properly with security Andrew Wingard.
“The league will humble you fast,” Wingard mentioned. “You suppose you've made it and then you definitely go play the Seattle Seahawks they usually give it to you. However I do know we've bought the best guys within the locker room. Nobody's going to panic.”
First-year coach Mike LaFleur's offense couldn't get a lot going, notably within the second half, gaining simply 151 complete yards. Jacoby Brissett had simply 95 passing yards, which was simply the bottom complete among the many 14 video games he's began during the last two seasons.
Rookie working again Jeremiyah Love gained simply 29 yards dashing on 9 carries. All-Professional tight finish Trey McBride was principally contained with eight catches for 41 yards, together with a 2-yard landing.
“It's like I instructed the fellows, the solar did come up as we speak, imagine it or not,” LaFleur mentioned. “We're not going to dwell on it and I'm not likely involved about us dwelling on it. I'm excited to see how we'll reply.”
Wingard mentioned the Cardinals discovered some precious classes throughout movie research on Monday.
“You've bought to battle, you've bought to deal with, you've bought to only discover methods to win and create momentum. And we didn't," Wingard mentioned. “However we're 1-1. There's no panic.”
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What’s working
The ultimate outcome was ugly, however Wingard mentioned it's vital for the Cardinals to recollect they performed properly through the first half towards the defending Tremendous Bowl champs.
The groups have been tied at 7-all heading into halftime, and the Cardinals protection had a powerful goal-line stand close to the tip of the second quarter. McBride was an issue for the Seahawks' protection within the first half and his 2-yard landing catch tied the sport.
Issues clearly modified within the second half, however the Cardinals know they’ve the potential to hold with one of many league's finest groups.
What wants assist
The Cardinals couldn't get something going within the vertical passing recreation, with most of Brissett's completions being on quick passes to McBride or Love.
There's definitely a time and place for a quarterback to make use of checkdown choices, however with out the specter of the deep ball, the Seahawks protection had one much less factor to fret about.
Replenish
Arizona's protection has been higher than many anticipated.
Security Budda Baker and linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. have been productive whereas newcomers like Wingard and linebacker Jack Gibbens appear to be stable additions. The Cardinals struggled to include Seahawks star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, however there's a purpose he's the reigning AP Offensive Participant of the 12 months.
Inventory down
Marvin Harrison Jr. was the No. 4 choose within the 2024 draft and extensively seen as a can't-miss prospect with a Corridor of Fame bloodline and a stellar reel of highlights from his days at Ohio State.
However a disappointing begin to his third season makes it straightforward to surprise if he'll ever dwell as much as the expectations.
Harrison had no catches towards the Seahawks and was focused only one time Sunday. That comes after the opener towards the Chargers, when he had only one catch for 33 yards.
Accidents
LaFleur mentioned the Cardinals may need misplaced cornerback Will Johnson for the remainder of the season due to a neck damage towards the Seahawks. Starling Thomas will probably see elevated taking part in time in Johnson's absence. One other cornerback, Max Melton, is day-to-day with a toe damage.
Key quantity
10 — The Cardinals have a 10-game shedding streak towards the Seahawks relationship to 2022.
Subsequent steps
The Cardinals have one other robust NFC West recreation this weekend after they journey to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
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