GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona had one of the NFL’s best offenses through the first two games behind the sound decision making of quarterback Kyler Murray.
The Cardinals ran into a wall of Lions and Murray had his first big mistake of the season on Sunday, leading to a stuck-in-the-mud 20-13 loss to Detroit.
“We just didn’t hit,” Murray said. “There’s going to be games like that offensively. It happens and that’s a good team over there.”
The Cardinals (1-2) averaged 34.5 points and 379.5 yards their first two games, showing some progression following consecutive 4-13 seasons.
The Lions (2-1) ground them to a halt, using a key interception and two fourth-down stops to remain undefeated (5-0-1) against Arizona since 2017.
“Our effort was there. That’s not the reason we lost a game,” Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said. “The reason we lost a game starts with me. We’ve got to do a better job setting up all three game plans.”
The Cardinals got off to a solid start, matching Detroit’s opening-drive touchdown with one of their own, a 10-yard pass from Murray to Marvin Harrison Jr.
They spent the rest of the afternoon bumbling away chances in a game that remained close, thanks to Arizona’s defense.
The Cardinals finished with 275 total yards — 77 rushing on 18 carries — and were 1 of 9 on third down after leading the NFL at 58% the first two games. Arizona went 0 for 2 on fourth down.
“Our identity as an offense is we want to run the ball,” said Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson, who had eight catches for 64 yards. “When that element isn’t working, it makes everything else harder.”
Murray had the biggest gaffe after making good decisions through most of the first two games.
With the Cardinals down 20-10 in the third quarter, he tried to force the ball to Harrison against double coverage, hoping the rookie receiver could make a play. Murray instead underthrew the ball and Kerby Joseph easily intercepted it in the end zone.
“That one stung, especially since I felt like we were going to score,” said Murray, who finished with 205 yards on 21-of-34 passing, adding a team-high 45 yards rushing on five carries. “And for it to end like that, it sucks.”
Arizona’s defense held its own in the second half after allowing 20 points in the first, giving the Cardinals a chance.
They couldn’t capitalize.
Dennis Gardeck picked off Jared Goff’s pass in the third quarter, giving the Cardinals the ball at Detroit’s 34. Faced with a fourth-and-1 at the 24, Arizona appeared to have converted on a run by Murray. A video review showed Murray’s shin hit the ground as he leaped for the marker, turning the ball over to the Lions.
Arizona had another fourth-down attempt near midfield in the fourth quarter, but it failed when Murray couldn’t connect with tight end Trey McBride.
“We never had that one explosive (play) in the run game and you’re waiting for one to pop,” Gannon said. “We knew it was going to be dirty, two or three yards, and were waiting for that one to pop. They did a good job.”
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