Arizona Cardinals Miss Opportunity for Victory in Week 3

The Arizona Cardinals entered Sunday with a chance to make a statement and bounce back from a disappointing loss against the Washington Redskins in Week 2. 

Facing a Seattle Seahawks team that had played poorly on offense for their first two games would give the Cardinals heavily-criticized defense a chance for redemption.

They left Seattle with yet another disappointing performance, their ninth consecutive road loss, and their only statement was that they will have a lot of work to do if they hope to win the NFC West this season.

The Cardinals have gone through the first three games of the season and emerged with a 1-2 record against teams that are less-than-revered around the NFL.

The Cardinals’ defense held for the most part, only yielding 261 yards and 13 points, despite the lack of a pass rush. 

This time it was the Cardinals’ offense’s turn to fall flat.

They had a lot of difficulty in short yardage situations, partly due to Beanie Well not playing because of injury.

Kevin Kolb also had a discouraging game.  He threw for two interceptions, including a crucial pick in the red zone late in the game for the second consecutive week, and his touchdown to Larry Fitzgerald could have easily been picked off as well.

The difference in this game though proved to be two missed field goals by Jay Feely, with one wide and one short.  In 2010 Feely was one of the few bright spots for the Cardinals, however, he is struggling through the first three games of this season having made just one of four field goal attempts. 

Neither of Feely’s missed field goals would be considered a chip shot, especially in Seattle, with one from 49 yards and the other from 51. 

Regardless of missed field goals, if a team can’t score more than one touchdown in a game they probably don’t deserve to win anyway, and the Cardinals certainly didn’t on Sunday.

The Cardinals now embark on a very difficult four game stretch that includes trips to Minnesota and Baltimore, and games against Pittsburgh and the New York Giants at home.

Through the first three games it appears as if the Cardinals are playing down to the level of their opponent, doing just enough to win in Week 1 and just enough to lose the following two games.

Hopefully the loss to Seattle will serve as a wake up call to the Cardinals.  If they continue to play at the level they are at they will be 1-6 after the next four games and the scouting department can start planning ahead for their top ten draft pick.