Cardinals chalk game-ending INT up to ‘miscommunication’ with A.J. Green
Oct 28, 2021, 10:27 PM | Updated: Oct 29, 2021, 7:43 am
Rasul Douglas #29 of the Green Bay Packers intercepts a pass intended for A.J. Green #18 of the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter of a game at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 24-21. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals did not lose to the Green Bay Packers 24-21 because of the miscommunication involving wideout A.J. Green that led to the game-ending interception.
There was far more at hand in the other 59:45 of the game.
But, it was a prime example of how a game can solely change on just one play. And even more so, on just one error and mixup.
Quarterback Kyler Murray had 15 seconds and two downs to take two shots in the end zone. On the first, he threw to Green’s back shoulder on the right side, placing the ball well. The only thing that went wrong was Green 1) not being there because 2) he was not looking for the ball because 3) he did not even run a route.
RASUL DOUGLAS INTERCEPTS MURRAY. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/ZIDly9m0Bc
— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2021
No one had direct answers as to what exactly happened that allowed Green Bay defensive back Rasul Douglas, who briefly spent time with Arizona this season, to tip and pick off the Murray pass, effectively ending the game.
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“I’m not sure,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “I haven’t spoken to those guys yet.”
Kingsbury confirmed that it was a check by Murray at the line of scrimmage, aka a change in the original play call that happens often throughout a game.
“I honestly don’t know,” Murray said. “Just a miscommunication. I couldn’t tell you. But we just gotta be better.”
Green was not among the group of players who spoke with the media after the game.
Kingsbury said the exact scenario minus Green’s brainfart was precisely what the Cardinals wanted, Green in a 1-on-1.
“Yeah, I mean we feel like it’s the safe throw if he knew the route to run,” he said. “No question. They brought zero, it was the right place to go with the ball. Just didn’t communicate on some level and the guy made a good play.”
Murray said he did not talk to Green about it yet, either.
“Nah, I know he’s hot,” Murray said. “Emotions running high. Obviously, after the fact, we both know we weren’t on the same page and it cost us but we’ll be better because of it.”
As for what Murray could have done to prevent the mistake on his end?
“Can’t go back,” he said. “Can’t go back in time. We weren’t on the same page.”
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