In a stunning turn of events, Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado became the second NFL player in as many weeks to commit a costly blunder at the goal line, turning a surefire touchdown into a devastating touchback. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this a simple mistake, or a symptom of a deeper issue plaguing the Cardinals? Let’s dive in.
The stage was set in Glendale, Arizona, where the Cardinals were poised to extend their lead against the Tennessee Titans. With a 15-point advantage early in the fourth quarter, Demercado broke free on a 72-yard run, seemingly sealing the game. But as he approached the end zone, he inexplicably flipped the ball away just before crossing the goal line, allowing Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to force a touchback. The play, initially ruled a touchdown, was overturned after review, sparking a monumental collapse for the Cardinals. They ultimately lost 22-21 on Joey Slye’s last-second field goal, marking their third consecutive defeat on a final-play score.
And this is the part most people miss: This wasn’t an isolated incident. Just a week prior, Indianapolis Colts receiver Adonai Mitchell made a nearly identical mistake, losing control of the ball at the goal line in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Historically, players like DeSean Jackson, Danny Trevathan, and the infamous Leon Lett have committed similar blunders, raising questions about focus and discipline in high-pressure moments.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray defended Demercado, emphasizing his character and game IQ, but acknowledged the mistake’s impact. “He’s going to take that on the chin,” Murray said. Offensive lineman Paris Johnson added, “I reminded him he’s a professional who’s made countless plays. One moment doesn’t define him.”
However, the Cardinals’ struggles didn’t end with Demercado’s error. The Titans capitalized on Arizona’s miscues, including a fumble by Dadrion Taylor-Demerson that led to a Tennessee touchdown. By the time Slye’s field goal sailed through the uprights, the Cardinals were left reeling, becoming the first team in NFL history to lose three straight games on final-play scores.
Here’s the burning question: Is this a trend of individual errors, or a reflection of the Cardinals’ overall lack of focus? While mistakes happen, the frequency of these blunders suggests a deeper issue. Could better coaching, improved mental preparation, or stricter accountability prevent such costly errors? Or is this simply the cruel nature of the game, where split-second decisions can turn triumph into tragedy?
What do you think? Is Demercado’s mistake a one-off, or part of a larger problem for the Cardinals? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
