In an even more stunning turn of events, the Arizona Cardinals lost to the Titans in colossal fashion. They squandered their aggressive 21-3 lead, much of it due to a game-changing fumble by running back Emari Demercado late in the fourth quarter, when Demercado broke off a memorable 71-yard rush. Sadly, it finished in a fumble, setting the record for longest rushing play to end in a lost fumble since at least 1978 and tying for the second-longest play from scrimmage that finished with a fumble.
Everything changed, though, when Demercado got loose, racing down the sideline for what looked like a 72-yard score. Just before he crossed that goal line, he let the football slip out of his hands. This uncharacteristic error was crucial as it led to the Titans’ recovery of the ball and ignited their comeback. Kyler Murray, the Cardinals’ quarterback, expressed his disbelief at Demercado’s error, stating, “Never in a million years would I think that Emari would do that.”
Demercado’s fumble momentum swung the tide significantly. In doing so, the Cardinals joined a very unfortunate record, becoming the first team since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger to lose three-straight games on walk-off field goals. The mistake proved to be one of two late-game missteps that would have sealed a season-defining victory for Arizona.
Reflecting on the potential game-winning play, Demercado took responsibility, saying, “I just dropped the ball,” fully understanding the weight of his misplay. His second-quarter fumble set up the Titans to start their own scoring drive that would end with the Titans beating the Packers. Arizona’s coach, Jonathan Gannon, emphasized that the team teaches specific coaching points to prevent such mistakes, highlighting the importance of execution in critical moments.
Murray, who considers Demercado one of his closest friends on the team, lamented the loss, stating, “That was bad. That was bad. Bad. All around, it was bad.” He emphasized that the team did everything necessary to win the game. Then they got god-awful, boneheaded and terribly crucial mistakes that let their foes back into the game.
The Cardinals were the first to build the commanding lead and then crumble down the stretch. Instead they now find themselves at risk as they try to recover after this upset defeat. In light of the game’s outcome, Kyler Murray said, “I don’t really know what to think about that,” reflecting the confusion and frustration felt within the team.
As Arizona moves further into the season, the young team will work to avoid more of those mistakes. Of course, creating better game management when dealing with high-pressure scenarios. The blow is a brutal reminder of how rapidly fortunes can change in the world of football. It reminds us how important it is to keep our cool until the last whistle blows.
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