ARIZONA CARDINALS

Wilks: ‘Premature’ to talk changes after Cardinals loss to Broncos

Oct 18, 2018, 10:25 PM | Updated: Oct 19, 2018, 9:19 am

(AP Photo/Ralph Freso)...

(AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

(AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals usually had a long list of ways to seal the leaks in their hull after each of their first five losses.

At the worst moments to this point, they had to fix everything.

But following a 45-10 home loss on Thursday Night Football to the Denver Broncos, they sounded out of answers. “Everything” turned into “I don’t know.”

“You’re a grown man,” left tackle D.J. Humphries said. “There’s nothing more embarrassing than coming out in your home stadium and getting your (expletive) kicked by 30, whatever the final score was. Embarrassed is definitely how I feel.”

After the game, Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks stepped to the podium and issued another hold-your-horses decree. He wasn’t going to proclaim any specific sweeping changes ahead for his 1-6 football team.

“Definitely an embarrassing effort tonight,” Wilks said. “Unacceptable. Got to find ways to get this thing corrected and corrected soon. You guys are going to ask me about changes. That’s premature to ask me about changes right now. Everybody’s going to be evaluated across the board.”

It could be assumed that Wilks was speaking on any coaching staff changes.

Offensive coordinator Mike McCoy’s job security certainly looked at risk heading into the night, and that assumption hardly looked more wrong after the loss with the Cardinals putting up worse-than-usual numbers than their 156 passing yards per game and 64.6 rushing yards averaged heading into Thursday.

Rookie Josh Rosen threw for 194 yards on 21-of-39 passing but along with a touchdown threw three interceptions — two for pick-six Broncos touchdowns — and two fumbles lost.

It was hardly his fault.

An offensive line without starting guards Mike Iupati and Justin Pugh collapsed in the passing game and couldn’t open holes in the running game. Led by running back David Johnson’s 14 carries for 39 yards, the ground attack totaled 69 yards.

Asked if there was a timetable regarding any changes upcoming and whether it had to do with McCoy’s job status, Wilks clarified he must evaluate the team in every aspect.

“When we was talking about changes … it could be personnel, it could be players,” Wilks said. “It could be scheme. When I say premature, it’s premature to talk about it at this particular time without going through the evaluation.”

But when it came down to it, Wilks admitted the offensive woes were the most concerning trend, something that must be corrected heading into a Week 7 game.

“Whether it’s not getting movement up front, whether it’s not protecting the pass game, not being able to make the proper throws or the proper catches, it’s a lot to go around,” the head coach said.

Cardinals players on the offensive side of the ball had fewer answers. Humphries said the Cardinals have “got to figure something out,” adding that the Cardinals have “too much talent for it to not work.”

Johnson, who has spent the season owning up to his own mistakes, had fewer answers. Asked why there have been no noticeable changes through seven weeks, the running back inked to a long-term deal this offseason only had this to say.

“I don’t know. I don’t know. Hopefully tomorrow we watch film and try to fix it and correct it,” Johnson said. “Again, I don’t know what to tell you. Just got to continue to get better and learn from mistakes and come out and keep grinding.”

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) scrambles as Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) gets the throw off as Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) makes the hit during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (30) breaks free for a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos Phillip Lindsay (30) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) hits Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) as he throws during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby celebrates his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals with cornerback Isaac Yiado, left, and defensive back Will Parks (34) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) forces Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) to fumble during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. Miller recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) hits Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) as he throws during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum (4) throws under pressure from Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos defensive back Jordan Moore (30) breaks free for a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) hits Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) as he throws during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) scrambles as Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) gets the throw off as Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) makes the hit during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks talks with side judge Alex Kemp (55) at halftime of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman (28) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) An Arizona Cardinals fan wears a bag on his head during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere (23) breaks up a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman (28) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere (23) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos defensive back Shamarko Thomas (38) tackles Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores his 111th career touchdown, tying former NFL player Tony Gonzalez, as Denver Broncos defensive back Shamarko Thomas defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores his 111th career touchdown, tying former NFL player Tony Gonzalez, as Denver Broncos defensive back Shamarko Thomas defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph watches his team during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) his sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum gets the throw off as Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (36) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches his team during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum (4) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald hugs Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph prior to an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis (51) celebrates his interception for a touchdown with free safety Justin Simmons during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis (51) celebrates his interception for a touchdown with free safety Justin Simmons (31) and cornerback Chris Harris (25) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) throws for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) pulls in a touchdown pass form teammate wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum (4) looks to pass as Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Rodney Gunter (95) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum (4) looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos defensive back Jordan Moore (30) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman (28) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) and linebacker Josh Bynes (57) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) celebrates his interception for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) high fives linebacker Todd Davis (51) as he scores a touchdown after an interception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum (4) throws a touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Kerr (92) celebrates his sack against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Denver Broncos defensive back Shamarko Thomas (38) tackles Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) is hit by Denver Broncos strong safety Darian Stewart (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

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