Bruce Arians Criticizes Multiple Players After Loss vs. Patriots

Following the Arizona Cardinals' Week 1 loss to an undermanned New England Patriots team, Cards head coach Bruce Arians didn't mince words with regard to poor performances from some of his players. 

According to Bob McManaman of AZCentral.com, Arians' criticism was directed primarily at players on the defensive side of the ball.

He said the following regarding cornerback Justin Bethel, who attempted to play through a foot injury against the Pats: "Justin has to decide if he's going to play with that foot. He was just an average spectator in special teams, missed two tackles. If he's going to play, he needs to play better or he shouldn't play."

Arians also took aim at pass-rusher Chandler Jones and safety D.J. Swearinger after they were flagged for a celebration: "One of the things that has not happened around here will not happen again—or you won't be here."

Finally, Arians expressed displeasure with the performance of rookie defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche: "He jumped offside when they weren't even set on a big third down. Other than that, he was not a factor."

Arizona was favored to win at home against a Patriots team that was without suspended quarterback Tom Brady and pass-rusher Rob Ninkovich as well as injured tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Despite New England's absences, it outgained Arizona 363-344 in the 23-21 victory.

The Cardinals had a chance to win it in the closing seconds with a 47-yard Chandler Catanzaro field goal attempt, but a bad snap threw off the timing and resulted in the kick sailing wide left.

Although losing at home to a Pats team that was ripe for the picking was far from an ideal start to the season for Arizona, it still boasts one of the NFL's deepest and most talented rosters.

Arians has always pushed the right buttons since joining the Cards, with a collective record of 34-15 and two playoff appearances in three full seasons, which suggests his method of motivation is something the team will respond to moving forward.

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