Cardinals look to regroup after late collapse against Seahawks

GLENDALE, Ariz. — After two straight last-second losses, the Arizona Cardinals are entering a pivotal nine-day stretch as they try to steady a roller-coaster start to the season.

They fell 23-20 to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night, blowing a 20-6 deficit before rallying to tie the game with 33 seconds left. Seattle finished with a game-winning drive in the final seconds, capped by Jason Myers' 52-yard field goal. The result leaves Arizona at 2-2 after four weeks, and the pattern of highs and lows continues to define their start to the season, according to coach Jonathan Gannon.

Gannon described the situation as one that requires adjustments. "We self-scout every week, but I do think we get a little break this weekend, a mini-bye if you want to call it that," he said Friday. "I want some guys to get a little mental break — coaches and players — but then the coaches will be working this weekend. There are problems happening. Let's solve some problems. That's our job."

Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 27 of 41 passes for 200 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions against Seattle, including both scoring passes in the fourth quarter as Arizona rallied. Murray said he remains optimistic about the roster he has in the locker room and emphasized that the team must perform in all four quarters. "I'm optimistic. I know what we have in that locker room and I know the guys that we got in the locker room and what type of players we have, coaches, everybody," Murray said. "I know people think the world's ending, but it's not. We have to go back to work and be better."

The Cardinals benefited from pressure up front, with the defensive line duo of Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell each recording a sack as Arizona's front seven consistently harassed Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold. That pressure helped neutralize Seattle's offense for stretches, even as Seattle finished with the Seahawks' late drive. The defense has shown flashes at times, but inconsistency remains a theme through four weeks.

Offensively, the group has struggled to sustain consistency across play types, according to Gannon. "Offensively, some of the play types just haven't been as good for us through four weeks," he said. "Are we coaching those right? Do we need different people in those spots? Or do we bag it?"

Demercado, now No. 2 on the depth chart after James Conner's season-ending foot injury, provided a late spark. He caught a 7-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to tie the game in the final minute, adding a crucial scoring threat as Arizona tries to balance the pass game with a more effective run game. Standout rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. has shown both promise and inconsistency. The No. 4 overall pick of the 2024 draft had a fateful bobble that led to an interception, but bounced back with a 16-yard touchdown catch in the fourth. Murray said the team needs him to develop into a reliable playmaker, noting that the two share a responsibility to execute in all four quarters.

A string of injuries further complicates the Cardinals' depth. Darius Robinson was listed with a chest injury and Simi Fehoko left with a concussion during Thursday's game. Cornerback Will Johnson (groin) and wide receiver Zay Jones (concussion) are hoped to benefit from the longer layoff and return to help the offense. Rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, who has been dealing with a groin issue, is eligible to come off injured reserve this week, but it remains uncertain whether he will be activated.

From a historical perspective, the Cardinals have now lost back-to-back games on the final play of regulation for the first time since moving to Arizona in 1988, according to Sportradar. The club has a few extra days to regroup before hosting the winless Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, with the hope of building momentum as they enter a critical stretch on the schedule.