The Arizona Cardinals, following their 20-17 last-second loss to the New England Patriots, have lost two in a row and three of four. However, they had no business losing to the Patriots.
Why?
The stats do not make sense to lose.
The Cardinals outgained the Patriots 298 yards to 179.
They had more rushing yards and passing yards.
Patriots quarterback Cam Newton was only 9-of-18 passing for 84 yards and two interceptions.
They won the turnover battle.
They won the time of possession, 34:08 to 25:52.
They were better on third down, converting on 6-of-14, while the Pats were only 4-of-11.
Both teams had six penalties.
The Cardinals had more sacks, more tackles for loss, and more pass breakups.
They even got off to a fast start, jumping up 10-0.
This is one of those losses that don’t make any sense and ultimately haunt a team. The offense didn’t play well by its own standards.
The defense did what it should.
Instead, a missed field goal, an ill-timed penalty, and a 50-yard kick doom the Cardinals to a 20-17 loss.
Fans are left with a loss, disappointment, and questions, heading into one of their toughest games of the year.
Can they bounce back? They are going to have to.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
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