The Arizona Cardinals started strong but ultimately fell short, losing 34-28 to the Buffalo Bills in their season opener on Sunday. The Cardinals built an early 17-3 lead and entered halftime with a 17-10 margin. However, the momentum shifted in the second half as the Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, executed three touchdowns and a game-clinching field goal.
Arizona Sports’ team of hosts, editors, and reporters shared their insights on the game:
John Gambadoro, co-host of Burns & Gambo, noted the familiar pattern for the Cardinals. Despite starting well with a 10-point lead, they once again lost a game decided by a single score, continuing last year’s trend where they finished 2-5 in such contests. He pointed out that although the offense was expected to lead the team, it faltered after gaining the early advantage. The Cardinals’ defense allowed the Bills to score just before and after halftime, undermining their strong start. Gambadoro emphasized that quarterback Kyler Murray’s failure to drive the offense, particularly during the second half where they managed just three points, was a major factor in the loss.
Dave Burns, also a co-host, expressed that last year a close defeat against a strong team might have been viewed positively, but the expectations have changed. He criticized the second half performance of Murray and the play-calling, highlighting doubts about the defense’s ability to perform against formidable opponents. Burns noted the necessity for the offense to excel given the defensive shortcomings.
Tyler Drake, a beat writer for the Cardinals, remarked on the promising start driven by running back James Conner and Murray’s performance. However, he noted that the Cardinals couldn’t sustain that success, particularly after the Bills made impactful halftime adjustments. Murray struggled in the second half, and the team’s reliance on certain players was evident, with rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. failing to make a significant impact.
Kevin Zimmerman, lead editor at ArizonaSports.com, stated it was too early to determine if this loss was against a playoff team or a genuine contender, but it painted the Cardinals as an average team. He highlighted Murray’s declining performance in the second half and expressed concern about the offensive line and defensive talent levels.
Kellan Olson, co-host of Arizona Sports at Night, conveyed that despite scoring 28 points against a competitive team, he was more worried about the offense rather than the defense. He criticized the offensive strategy and the lack of involvement from key receivers. Olson stressed the need for a balanced offensive approach to avoid future defeats.
The Cardinals will need to regroup and address their weaknesses as they look forward to continuing the season.