The Consensus Week 14: Cardinals take another tumble
Dec 6, 2017, 8:29 AM | Updated: 11:46 am
Los Angeles Rams nose tackle Michael Brockers (90) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
There was a lot of curiosity surrounding how the Arizona Cardinals would follow up their most impressive (and maybe only impressive) win of the 2017 season — a 27-24 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13.
In Week 13, the Cardinals hosted the first-place Rams, and they indicated early just how they’d follow up. Blaine Gabbert threw an interception on Arizona’s first play from scrimmage, the Cardinals fell behind 16-0 and lost a third straight home game to the Rams by the score of 32-16.
So much for that.
At 5-7, the playoffs are out of reach, especially considering the Cardinals haven’t won back-to-back games all season long.
Here’s a look at where Arizona lands in NFL Power Rankings from around the country.
Arizona Sports NFL Power Rankings Week 14: Patriots back on top
Cardinals rank: #23 (▼4)
Special teams coordinator Amos Jones has to go. — Craig Morgan
Week 14 NFL Power Rankings: The most impactful rookies for every team
Cardinals rank: #23 (▼5)
The Cardinals’ biggest rookie contributor might be undrafted tight end Ricky Seals-Jones, who just started making an impact in Week 11. He has 170 receiving yards in the past three games, the second-most for Arizona behind Larry Fitzgerald (201).
NFL Power Rankings, Week 14: New England Patriots take No. 1
Cardinals rank: #23 (▼2)
If there was any doubt as to what the logline of this Cardinals season should be, Sunday’s loss to the Rams erased it: No DJ, no Carson, no playoffs. OK, so Carson Palmer wasn’t enjoying a stellar campaign before he went on injured reserve in October — but the veteran has been known to be streaky, able to rebound after being counted out. Losing David Johnson — the top back in football last year — was obviously tough. At 5-7, it would take a miracle of Josh McCown-to-Nate Poole proportions (remember this?) for Arizona to sneak into the playoffs at 9-7, as this would involve the Cardinals running the table AND every team not named the Cardinals losing. Oh, and Rod Tidwell would have to line up opposite Larry Fitzgerald.
Cardinals rank: #23 (▼1)
No comment.
NFL Power Rankings: Russell Wilson carrying surging Seahawks on his back
Cardinals rank: #23 (▼1)
They can start worrying about next year now after losing at home to the Rams. Will Bruce Arians be back?
NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Stand Heading into Week 14?
Cardinals rank: #24 (▼1)
Once again, self-inflicted wounds hurt the Arizona Cardinals. Whether it’s missed field goals, missed extra points or turnovers, the Cardinals can’t get out of their own way against superior teams. The Los Angeles Rams are a superior team, but Arizona kept things close for much of the game. Eventually, though, the mistakes caught up with the Cardinals.
We did see positives from Arizona on Sunday, some strong running from Kerwynn Williams chief among them. Ultimately, though, it is just too inconsistent in all three phases.
This is why the Cardinals are 5-7 and not a playoff team.
NFL Power Rankings: The Giants could turn it around very quickly
Cardinals rank: #22 (▼1)
And that’s why you don’t get too excited about Blaine Gabbert as your quarterback of the future, even if he has one good game.
USA Today Power Rankings – Week 14
Cardinals rank: #23 (▼3)
Bruce Arians said last week he’d be ‘very comfortable’ with Blaine Gabbert as his 2018 starter. Maybe Carson Palmer deserves some Eli-level outrage.
Cardinals rank: #24 (▼2)
How many catches and yards would Larry Fitzgerald have had if he had decent quarterbacks for the bulk of his career?
NFL Week 14 Power Rankings: A new No. 1 as Eagles stumble
Cardinals rank: #22 (–)
Larry Fitzgerald keeps climbing the NFL’s all-time receiving lists, even though the playoffs are essentially out of reach.
