Arizona had one of the best offenses in the NFL during the first two games, thanks to the smart choices made by quarterback Kyler Murray.
However, they faced a tough challenge against the Lions, and Murray made his first big mistake of the season on Sunday, resulting in a frustrating 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 in their first two games, showing improvement after back-to-back 4-13 seasons.
The Lions (2-1) were able to stop them, using an important interception and two stops on fourth down 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 started off well, matching Detroit’s opening-drive touchdown with one of their own, a 10-yard pass from Murray to Marvin Harrison Jr.
After that, they struggled to capitalize on opportunities, even though the game stayed close because of Arizona’s defense.
The Cardinals ended up with 275 total yards — 77 rushing on 18 carries — and converted only 1 of 9 on third down after leading the NFL at 58% in their first two games. They also 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 mistake after making smart decisions in the previous two games.
