Breaking Down the Cardinals' Offensive Struggles Against the Falcons

Cardinals Offense: A Mixed Bag

The Arizona Cardinals found themselves in a familiar position on Sunday, succumbing to a seventh straight loss as they fell 26-19 to the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. It was a game that highlighted both their offensive capabilities and their persistent struggles.

The Cardinals amassed 320 total yards—188 by air and 132 on the ground—while facing a Falcons defense that seemed to buckle under pressure at times.

Jacoby Brissett's Challenges

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett had an underwhelming performance, completing 16 of 31 passes for 203 yards, along with a touchdown and an interception. This was far from his best outing, leaving fans questioning if he truly is the answer in the wake of Kyler Murray's absence.

“Can Brissett elevate this team, or is he part of the problem? The answer may lie in how he responds to pressure situations.”

Surprising Ground Game

One of the bright spots was the resurgence of the run game. The Cardinals, who had leaned heavily on their passing offense in prior weeks—often to the tune of around 70%—dramatically shifted their strategy. With 56 offensive plays, they executed 23 rushing attempts, effectively reshaping their offensive identity.

The Cardinals averaged a remarkable 5.7 yards per carry, with Michael Carter leading the charge with 65 yards on 11 carries. This marks a significant improvement and hints at a potential new vector for their offensive attack moving forward.

Early Momentum, Then Stalled Progress

In the first half, the Cardinals scored on their first four possessions, crafting an early lead of 10-0. However, this momentum fizzled out very quickly, and they ultimately managed to score only once more before the game concluded.

The inability to convert in the red zone has become a recurring theme for the Cardinals. They went 0-for-2 in the red zone attempts, failing to capitalize on critical scoring opportunities—a facet that will undoubtedly haunt them as they reflect on this game.

Key Players Underperform

Of note was tight end Trey McBride, who had been a consistent target for Brissett. However, he was effectively neutralized, finishing the game with only four catches for 27 yards, consequently breaking a notable streak of 16 consecutive games with five or more receptions. The scheme the Falcons employed managed to restrict his impact, proving that game plans focused on key players can often turn tides.

Elijah Higgins Shines Bright

While McBride struggled, rookie receiver Elijah Higgins stepped up admirably, having a career game with seven catches for 91 yards. His performance indicates a potential bright future for him within the Cardinals' offensive plans, particularly if he can maintain this level of play consistently.

Looking Ahead: A Mixed Future

Overall, the Cardinals showed flashes of what could be—a run game that can surprise defenses and talented backups stepping into larger roles. As the season draws to a close, there's both concern and hope. Can this offense find its footing in the remaining weeks? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: adaptation and sustained effort are critical.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire.