ARIZONA CARDINALS

Fourth-down decisions, execution continue to haunt Kingsbury, Cardinals

Dec 8, 2019, 7:29 PM | Updated: Dec 9, 2019, 11:10 am

Outside linebacker T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with teammates after an inte...

Outside linebacker T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with teammates after an interception in the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 23-17. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

(Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Remember earlier this season when Kliff Kingsbury, just getting his feet wet as an NFL head coach, was regularly chastised locally and nationally for for not going for it on fourth down deep in the opponent’s territory?

Well, that issue didn’t reoccur Sunday.

Kingsbury went the other way, and proved that fourth downs have been a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ situation for the rookie head coach. What happened loomed large in the Arizona Cardinals’ 23-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, err, I mean State Farm Stadium.

Trailing 20-10 early in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals had driven all the way from their own 25 to the Pittsburgh 6-yard line. Facing a 4th-and-2, Kingsbury opted to go for it despite the fact that a field goal would have made it a one-score game with more than 12 minutes to play. The Cardinals also have Zane Gonzalez, who’s been one of the most automatic field goal kickers in the league this season.

Kingsbury called a pass. Kyler Murray took the snap and actually had a pretty decent pocket to throw from for about three-and-a-half seconds. He rolled right and tried to squeeze the ball to tight end Maxx Williams in the back of the end zone. Murray didn’t see linebacker T.J. Watt who had dropped into coverage and easily stepped into the passing lane to nab his third career interception, killing the Arizona scoring threat.

“I was in coverage, so it was just a matter of if I wanted to step in and contain, but I knew that he wanted to throw,” Watt said. “He’s a throw-first quarterback and then a run-second, so I just didn’t want to bite the cheese and let him throw it right in behind me.”

Replays showed the fleet Murray could have easily tucked the ball and run for at least the first down, but chalk it up to a rookie mistake – he threw it.

“I was just trying to make a play,” Murray said. “Thinking back on it, I probably should have ran it. It was two yards, I could’ve got the first down or scored.

“(I was) trying to do too much.”

But should the rookie have even been put it the position to try and do too much? Hindsight is 20/20 and foresight is impossible, but on the ensuing drive, the Steelers stalled at their own 40 and then attempted one of the most feeble-looking fake punts in football history that led to a fumble by punter Jordan Berry that Dennis Gardeck recovered at the Pittsburgh 32.

The Cardinals scored three plays later on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Murray to David Johnson to pull them to within three points at 20-17.

“I liked the play call, I liked the situation,” Kingsbury said. “I knew we needed two scores and if we did turn it over on downs, hopefully it would be right there at the 6 or wherever it was and unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way.”

It’s at least the second time that a fourth-down decision by Kingsbury has served as a major plot point in a loss. In Week 8, the Cardinals trailed on the road at New Orleans 10-6 midway through the third quarter and faced a 4th-and-1 at their own 30-yard line. Kingsbury opted to go for it and called a run play to Chase Edmonds that was stuffed for no gain.

The Saints scored five plays later and went on to outscore Arizona 21-3 from that point forward to secure a 31-9 win.

Play calls are judged largely by the result, but for the 2019 Cardinals, getting solid decision-making and execution on the same play has been a rare marriage, especially in crucial situations.
Array

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Terrell Edmunds during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Steelers won 23-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson (22) breaks up a pass to Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Steelers won 23-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) leaves the field after a game-ending interception by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Steelers won 23-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger, left, greets Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Steelers won 23-17. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, left, greets Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Steelers won 23-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (23) makes a game-ending interception intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Steelers won 23-17. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws an interception in the end zone to Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Pittsburgh Steelers punter Jordan Berry (4) is hit by Arizona Cardinals tight end Darrell Daniels (81) and linebacker Dennis Gardeck (42) on a fake punt attempt during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals took over on downs. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers with fans during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) lines up against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers punter Jordan Berry (4) is hit by Arizona Cardinals tight end Darrell Daniels (81) and linebacker Dennis Gardeck (42) on a fake punt attempt during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals took over on downs. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates his interception in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell (24) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) pulls in a touchdown catch as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy (33) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Terrell Edmunds during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (23) celebrates his interception against the Arizona Cardinals with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers fans cheer during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Pittsburgh Steelers fans cheer during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury watches the clock during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) forces Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges (6) to fumble during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Steelers recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) battles Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Matt Feiler during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) runs a play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Anthony Chickillo (56) runs a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs as Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree (48) makes the hit during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin yells during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (56) celebrates his fumble recovery against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals tight end Charles Clay (85) scores a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Vince Williams (98) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray leaves the field after a a failed third down against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton (28) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) knocks the helmet off Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels on the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Pharoh Cooper (12) runs after the catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers fans cheer prior to the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) watches his field goal split the uprights during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) runs in an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) knocks the helmet off Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels on the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges (6) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Rodney Gunter during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kerrith Whyte (40) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Jalen Thompson (34)during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Justin Layne (31) lines up against the Arizona Cardinals prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree, right, prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to the crowd prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges (6) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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