The Arizona Cardinals lost for the sixth game in a row on Sunday, a 23-17 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They had some solid play from some of their players while others did not produce much.
Who were the studs and duds in the loss on Sunday?
Stud: LB Tanner Vallejo
Vallejo only played 16 snaps but was very productive. Playing in a new defensive package the team rolled out with three inside linebackers, he had five tackles (one for loss), a sack, a forced fumble and a QB hit.
Dud: LB Terrell Suggs
After having exactly zero stats in Week 13 against the L.A. Rams, Suggs followed it up against the Steelers with very little. In 46 defensive snaps, Suggs recovered a fumble, but he did not record a tackle, a QB hit or anything else. He did get flagged for a personal foul, though, so he sort of had a tackle, although he doesn’t get credit for it.
Stud: RB David Johnson
Johnson played only 22 snaps on offense but was productive. He had three rushing attempts for 19 yards, looking aggressive in his running. He also caught two passes for 34 yards, including the 24-yard touchdown that pulled the Cardinals within three points in the fourth quarter.
Dud: CB Byron Murphy
Murphy has dealt with growing pains during the second half of the season. He had four tackles, including one for loss. However, he was flagged twice for pass interference and also gave up the lone touchdown the Steelers scored on offense.
Stud: WR Christian Kirk
Kirk quietly had the best day of any offensive player on either team. He had eight catches for 85 yards, including a 31-yard catch.
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