The Arizona Cardinals suffered another frustrating loss, falling 31-27 to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Cardinals (2-4) have now lost their fourth straight game, with the last two losses involving blown fourth-quarter leads. The Colts improved to 5-1 with the victory.
Jacoby Brissett started at quarterback for the Cardinals in place of the injured Kyler Murray, who was sidelined with a foot injury. Brissett completed 27 of 44 passes for 320 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Despite a strong performance, Brissett's efforts weren't enough to secure a win against his former team.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, particularly in the final two quarters, with both offenses trading scores. The Cardinals took a 17-14 lead in the third quarter on a one-yard touchdown reception by Trey McBride. The Colts responded with a 45-yard field goal to tie the game. Brissett then connected with Greg Dortch for a 12-yard touchdown, putting the Cardinals back in front 24-17.
Indianapolis tied the game early in the fourth quarter when Daniel Jones threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs. After a 44-yard field goal by the Cardinals, the Colts marched down the field, and Jonathan Taylor scored the go-ahead touchdown with 4:32 remaining. Taylor rushed for one yard to give the Colts a 31-27 lead.
The Cardinals had an opportunity to rally, driving to the Colts' nine-yard line with just over a minute left in the game. However, the Colts' defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs. Colts Coach Shane Steichen stated it was great to see the offense go down and get that touchdown at the end to go up 31-27.
Daniel Jones completed 22 of 30 passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception for the Colts. Jones also added a rushing touchdown. Jonathan Taylor had a strong performance, rushing for 123 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. Rookie tight end Tyler Warren contributed with six receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Cardinals' coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged the difficulty of the loss, marking their fourth consecutive defeat. The Cardinals have struggled to maintain consistency in tight finishes this season. In addition to Murray, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. left the game after hitting his head hard, and was placed in concussion protocol. Tight end Travis Vokolek was also carted off the field with a neck injury. Safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson was hurt late in the game.
The Colts (5-1) demonstrated balance on both sides of the ball. The Colts were without starting cornerback Charvarius Ward, who suffered a concussion during pregame warmups, and Kenny Moore II, who remained inactive due to an Achilles injury. Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson was also injured during pre-game warmups with a fractured orbital bone.
The Cardinals will return home next Sunday to face the Green Bay Packers, while the Colts will travel to Los Angeles to play the Chargers.
