Cardinals try 2 holders as Matt Prater misses 2 FGs, 1 PAT in loss to Colts

Dec 25, 2021, 9:19 PM | Updated: 11:50 pm

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (5) looks down after a missed field goal against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

BY JAKE ANDERSON

Arizona Sports

The Arizona Cardinals’ struggles in primetime at home continued on Saturday night at State Farm Stadium.

In a 22-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Christmas Day, the Cardinals failed to execute when it came to scoring points in the kicking game.

Arizona kicker Matt Prater missed two field goals and one PAT on the day, only converting on one of his two point-after tries.

Prater’s misses came from 51 yards out on the game’s opening drive and on a 41-yarder on the Cardinals’ first possession of the fourth quarter.

However, coming into the contest, usual holder and punter Andy Lee was placed on the reserve/COVID on Wednesday and did not play against the Colts.

Backup quarterback Colt McCoy began the game as the holder on Prater’s first field goal miss and PAT shank.

“I’ll have to watch the tape,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury said postgame. “Obviously, we had a different holder in with Andy on the COVID list, but I have to see the operation and what happened there.”

Former Cardinals kicker Jay Feely offered his expertise on the placement of the football by McCoy:

Even worse hold by McCoy.
Laces straight sideways and ball leaning left (worst miss for Rt footed kicker) on that missed PAT
Teams don’t spend enough time practicing with backup holders, especially QBs

— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) December 26, 2021

Punter Ryan Winslow — who was signed to the Cardinals practice squad on Thursday and elevated to the active roster on Saturday — came in for the PAT Prater did make.

And despite having a better hold for Prater on his penultimate field goal attempt in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals kicker was denied by the right upright.

The Cardinals kicker did convert on a chip-shot 28-yarder late in the fourth quarter to give Arizona a chance at a Hail Mary with less than a minute to go in the game.

Winslow was the holder for the final points of the contest.

Follow @jwa1994

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) and inebacker Jordan Glasgow (59) lead the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Colts won 22-16. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) leave the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Colts won 22-16. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) greets Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) after an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Colts won 22-16. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich, left, greets Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury after an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Colts won 22-16. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts fans cheer during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Colts won 22-16. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds is hit by Indianapolis Colts safety Jahleel Addae, right, during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts fans cheer after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (2) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts safety Jahleel Addae, (41), during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Josh Mauro tackles Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Antoine Wesley can't hold on to the ball as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (34) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Colts won 22-16. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts defensive back T.J. Carrie (38) signals after Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (5) missed his field goal attempt during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes tackles Arizona Cardinals wide receiver A.J. Green, right, during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Colts won 22-16. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

dArizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws as Indianapolis Colts defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (97) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) motions during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) consoles kicker Matt Prater (5) after a missed field goal against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (5) watches his field goal attempt hit the goal post during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Jordan Hicks (58), defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) and safety Budda Baker (3) celebrate a defensive stop against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts kicker Mike Badgley (6) watches his field goal split the uprights against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts fans watch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) is tripped up by Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Antonie Wesley, left, celebrates his touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) throws to tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) under pressure from Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Isaiah Simmons (9) during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals fans cheer during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Antoine Wesley pulls in a touchdown pass as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, rear, defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (86) can't make the catch as Indianapolis Colts defensive back T.J. Carrie (38) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts running back Nyheim Hines (21) runs as Arizona Cardinals free safety Jalen Thompson (34) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) scrambles against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20) breaks up a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman (11) tries to leap over Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (54) celebrates a safety against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray picks up a loose ball in the end zone against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. Murray was called for intentional grounding on the play resulting in a safety for the Colts. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Marco Wilson #20 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up in his defensive position before the snap of the ball in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) and defensive tackle Corey Peters (98) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) knocks the ball loose from Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Colts recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts running back Nyheim Hines (21) makes a catch as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds falls after a hit against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts guard Danny Pinter (63) and quarterback Carson Wentz (2) call a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

An Arizona Cardinals fan, dressed as Santa Claus, cheers during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (5) reacts after missing a field goal attempt against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jordan Glasgow (59) motions to his bench after the Arizona Cardinals missed a field goal attempt during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (86) is hit by Indianapolis Colts safety George Odum (30) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (86) runs as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (34) defends prior to an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) looks to the bench during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk, left, can't make the catch as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (2) celebrates his touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) pulls in a catch as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (34) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (2) scores a touchdown as Indianapolis Colts safety George Odum (30) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray scrambles under pressure from Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) during the first half of NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury prior to an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws prior to an NFL football game the Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Fans dressed as Santa Claus prior to an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt prior to an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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