Instant Reaction: Cardinals’ Offense Finds Life, Falls Short

The Arizona Cardinals could not complete the fourth-quarter go-ahead score on Sunday, losing to the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 31-27. But with Jacoby Brissett filling in for an injured Kyler Murray, Arizona’s passing attack looked the sharpest it has all season.

The Cardinals’ defense, however, had an off day. The Colts’ offense is tough to stop, but there were consistent holes in the secondary and a handful of unnecessary penalties that extended drives. Stopping Jonathan Taylor is no easy task, but Arizona’s defensive front struggled to contain the run all game.

It’s clear the Cardinals have not checked out or given up — a shootout was a welcome sight. But for the sixth straight game, Arizona could not marry defensive success with offensive firepower.

Cardinals’ Offense Shines Despite Missing Pieces

Arizona scored the most offensive points of the young 2025 season (27), and recorded 400 yards of offense for the first time since week 13 of 2024. They converted nine of 14 third down attempts and converted 17 first downs through the air.

Jacoby Brissett may not have displayed the most exceptional accuracy (27-for-44 passing), but he was decisive, and showed an ability to push the ball downfield, managing 320 passing yards (the most passing yards by a Cardinal this season, by 100).

After Marvin Harrison Jr. left the game with a concussion early in the first half, WR Zay Jones more than doubled his previous season total in receiving yards, leading the Cardinals with 79. Trey McBride had his best game of the season, as well. He caught eight of 11 targets for 72 yards and a high-point score.

The Cardinals’ offense looked more explosive, and the downfield targets were there, even missing their top wideout. Brissett displayed poise and was able to navigate a slightly-improved pocket.

But Arizona could not play complimentary football. Their normally-sharp defense had a poor game, allowing a season-high 31 points — the most since overtime against the Panthers in week 16 of 2024. A somewhat banged-up defensive line struggled to get pressure on the revitalized Daniel Jones, and some early holes in the secondary set up what would become a shootout.

At 2-4, with a menacing matchup with the Packers looming, Arizona’s season is teetering on lost territory. But the very fact that the Cardinals were capable of entering a shootout with their backup QB and without their No. 1 wideout is telling. Some tough discussions may have to happen surrounding Murray and his schematic fit in the desert.