GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Kyler Murray only had a few moments to look downfield early in the third quarter before he was mauled by Washington's Bobby Wagner and Daron Payne, taking another sack during a miserable day for the Arizona Cardinals. One ineffective play later, the quarterback trudged off the field as boos rained down from the home crowd.
Arizona's rebuild took a step backward in a demoralizing 42-14 loss to the Commanders on Sunday. The Cardinals (1-3) jumped to an early 7-0 lead, but were outplayed in virtually every facet for the next 3 1/2 quarters. “Something's got to change,” Murray said.
“We weren't good enough today. They exploited our weaknesses, we didn't play complimentary football. Every phase of the game, we've got to be better.
That wasn't the type of football we want to play.” Murray connected with rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 2-yard touchdown on the opening drive , but Washington responded with two straight touchdowns and Arizona wasn't able to answer before it was too late.
One reason the Cardinals' offense stalled was that Harrison basically disappeared for the second and third quarters. He finished with five catches for 45 yards. “We’ve got to get our best players the ball,” Murray said.
“When we’re doing good, you feel that.” Murray completed 16 of 22 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown. James Conner had a 6-yard touchdown run to cut the Commanders' lead to 27-14 late in the third quarter, which briefly made things compe.
