The Arizona Cardinals experienced one of the most devastating losses in recent NFL history on Sunday, blowing an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter against the previously winless Tennessee Titans. The game ended with a shocking score of 22-21, marking a collapse that will likely haunt the team for weeks to come. This defeat was particularly highlighted by a critical mistake from running back Emari Demercado, which prevented the Cardinals from securing a touchdown when they were leading 21-6.
In a pivotal moment during the game, Demercado had a clear path to a 72-yard touchdown. However, just as he crossed into the end zone, he fumbled the ball, resulting in a turnover and a touchback. This pivotal error stopped the Cardinals from extending their lead to 27-6, effectively sealing the game in their favor. Following the turnover, the Titans capitalized on the opportunity, scoring on their next possession and igniting a comeback.
With just five minutes remaining in the game, the Cardinals' number one draft pick, Cam Ward, threw an interception. However, in a bizarre turn of events, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, who intercepted the pass, dropped it, allowing Tyler Lockett to recover and score a touchdown. This sequence of events put the Titans in position to win, and they did so when Joey Slye kicked a game-winning field goal as the clock expired, clinching the franchise's first win of the season.
Unsurprisingly, Cardinals head coach Jonathon Gannon was visibly frustrated with Demercado after the fumble. Footage captured Gannon on the sidelines appearing to chastise the 26-year-old before making contact with him, which some interpreted as a “low-five.” After the game, Gannon expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s unacceptable.” He emphasized that regardless of a player's status on the team, everyone must do better in closing out games.
Fans took to social media to voice their sympathy for Gannon, noting that this loss marked the first time since 1970 that a team lost three consecutive games on game-winning field goals. One user commented on X, “I can’t even imagine being a coach and having one of my players make a mistake like this, especially after this has happened repeatedly in college and the NFL.” Another user echoed this sentiment, calling it “one of the most embarrassing losses I've seen in a long time.”
On Monday, Gannon reflected on his reaction during the game. “I didn’t see the video,” he told reporters, but admitted that he woke up feeling remorseful about his actions. He addressed the team in a meeting, apologizing to both Demercado and the players for letting his emotions get the better of him. “I try to be emotionally stable and calm because my job is to solve problems during a game,” he explained. “It’s a mistake by me, and everybody in there made some type of mistake yesterday, which ultimately led to our loss.”
Reports indicate that the Cardinals have fined Gannon $100,000 for the incident, although sources have confirmed there will be no further disciplinary action. However, sports commentator Skip Bayless criticized the punishment, labeling Gannon's actions as a “fireable offense.” He suggested that the organization should consider parting ways with Gannon to send a strong message throughout the NFL.
In the aftermath of the game, Demercado took responsibility for his crucial mistake. “I just made a mistake; there’s really no excuse,” he said. “I just got to be smarter.” Offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. sought to console Demercado immediately after the fumble, wanting to ensure he was supported and not subject to negative comments from teammates. Johnson stated, “I wanted to be one of the first people to find him on the sideline.”
Cardinals quarterback Kyle Murray also expressed his disbelief at the situation. “I don’t even know what to think about that,” he said. “That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’” Murray acknowledged Demercado's character and football IQ, stating, “I never thought he would make that mistake. We all make mistakes, but crucial blunders like that gave them a chance to stay in the game.”
The Arizona Cardinals will need to regroup and address their mistakes as they move forward in the season, aiming to avoid further heartbreaking losses and improve their performance on the field.
