Fans, media react to Cardinals’ home loss to Colts on Christmas

Dec 25, 2021, 10:33 PM | Updated: 11:55 pm

An Arizona Cardinals fans reacts during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at State Farm Stadium on December 25, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

BY SAM GRAVELINE

Arizona Sports

Whenever you find yourself in the middle of a three-game losing streak, you’re all but guaranteed to hear some criticism and that’s exactly what the Arizona Cardinals are going through.

Following the Cardinals’ 22-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Christmas night, the team now finds itself in a spot many thought would be unlikely.

Appearing to be coasting to a spot in the playoffs, three straight losses for the Cardinals has them limping into the postseason.

With this loss to the Colts, Arizona falls to 10-5 on the season and has left the door open for the Los Angeles Rams to take control of the top spot in the NFC West with a win this week against the Minnesota Vikings.

However, a Vikings, Saints or Eagles loss in Week 16 would clinch the Cardinals’ first playoff berth since 2015 — snapping the second-longest postseason drought in the NFL.

During the Cardinals’ losing streak, there has been a bit of a trend: Sloppy play has hindered their success.

Let’s take a look at some of the reactions from fans and media following the Cards’ fourth loss in six weeks:

And that’s the ballgame… Arizona falls 22-16 to Indy.

The #AZCardinals are in a tailspin with two games left to play in the regular season. pic.twitter.com/Rp6FoVhcJi

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) December 26, 2021

The Cardinals don’t look anything like a playoff team right about now.

— Vince Marotta (@Vincemarotta) December 26, 2021

Maybe the Kurt Warner movie ends with him kicking for the Cardinals tonight.

— Luke Lapinski (@LukeLapinski) December 26, 2021

The thing about this game for the Cardinals is the offense has been bad and it’s not even about the FG stuff.

— Kevin Zimmerman (@KZimmermanAZ) December 26, 2021

Kliff still having these bizarro game management issues in year three…idk man. 🥴

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) December 26, 2021

Since Kilff Kingsbury became HC in 2019 the @AZCardinals are 15-5-1 thru the 1st 7 weeks of the NFL season and 8-18 after. It’s officially a problem

— trey wingo (@wingoz) December 26, 2021

Time to gather my thoughts for this reaction piece. 3 straight losses. Time for a change in the desert? If this continues, without question! #redsea #AZCardinals

— Damian Parson 🏈 (@DP_NFL) December 26, 2021

#AZCardinals barely had more points (16) than penalties (11)..that says it all #INDvsAZ

— Lance Medow (@LanceMedow) December 26, 2021

The Cardinals play football like I used to write school reports. Do nothing until you are almost out of time, try your hardest when you only have five minutes left, and then be pissed that it didn’t work out. #azcardinals #arizonacardinals #redsea #birdgang #NFL

— Semi-Knowledgeable Cards Fan (@xeromem7) December 26, 2021

Im at a loss at what happened tonight. Play calling was absolutely terrible, Prater missed a bunch of points, and the constant penalties in the first half. Embarrassing loss on what should have been a W for us #INDvsAZ #RedSea #NFL #NFLTwitter

— Autorennen (@Autorennen7) December 26, 2021

Follow @sam_graveline

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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