Bright Spots for Cardinals amidst the 41-22 loss to the 49ers

                                                                photo source: Instagram

 By Walter Mitchell

Defense:

LB Cody Simon --- despite getting picked on early in the game, Cody adjusted and played excellent football throughout the rest of the game, leading the team with 12 tackles from the MIKE. Here is arguably his best stop of the game:

https://x.com/theo_mackie/status/1990824638855721402?s=20

DT Darius Robinson --- might be his best game thus far in the NFL. Was very disruptive. Made 5 tackles and 1 stop. Best plays of the day:(thanks to the outstanding work of @KSzn2021), Check this out!

https://x.com/KSzn2021/status/1990863189983002654?s=20

DT Walter Nolen --- led the team with 2 tackles for loss and earned highest defensive game grade at 90.3.

https://x.com/KSzn2021/status/1990943194482159964?s=20

S Jalen Thompson --- despite getting beaten by George Kittle on a TD, JT had a strong day, making 5 tackles and 1 pass breakup, for grade of 81.3.

ED Josh Sweat --- had the lone sack in the game, his 9th sack of the season, which ties him with Danielle Hunter (HOU) for 4th best in the NFL.

https://x.com/SameOlCardinals/status/1990195611489259729?s=20

Offense:

WR Michael Wilson --- had a career performance, first time as WR1: 15 catches on 18 targets for 185 yards, 12.3 yards per catch --- which now stands as the top WR performance in the NFL this season. Great compilation of M-Willy's top 5 plays from @HaydenWinks:

https://x.com/HaydenWinks/status/1990480459525206101?s=20

QB Jacoby Brissett --- also had a career performance completing 47 of 57 passes (82.5%) for 452 yards, 7.9 yards per attempt, 2 TDs, 2 ints., 0 sacks. Jacoby's 47 completions set a new NFL record. Tremendous video clips of all of Jacoby's completions by @jbchoknows:

https://x.com/jbchoknows/status/1990793612494581980?s=20

TE Trey McBride --- one of the best games of his career catching 10 passes in 11 targets for 115 yards, 11.5 yards per catch and 1 TD (his 6th TD in 5 games with Jacoby).

https://x.com/ReCover3Sports/status/1990206337851261067?s=20

WR Greg Dortch --- best game of the season from the Dortchure Chamber (Brett Kollmann) catching 6 passes on 6 targets for 66 yards and 1 TD.

https://x.com/NFLTDVids/status/1990209821480788054?s=20

RB Bam Knight --- his 60-yard lightning bolt TD (holding penalty) could have made this game extra special for Bam. As it was, he gained 24 yards on 5 carries for a 4.8 average and 1 TD.

https://x.com/NFL/status/1990170616339550567?s=20

G Isaiah Adams --- on 28 snaps his game grades were the highest on the Cardinals' offensive line: Overall: 77.1 --- Pass Blocking: 82.0 --- Run Blocking --- 69.6.

Special Teams:

Kei'Trel Clark --- 2 tackles, 88.8 ST grade, making one fo the most spectacular across the field chase-down plays imaginable on the Skyy Moore 98-yard opening kickoff return:

https://x.com/NFL/status/1990164998044135691?s=20

Kitan Crawford --- continued excellence on STs with team high 90.4 grade.

Red Rain Blog Question of the Day: How encouraged are you by the bright spots the Cardinals provided in this game?




Comments

  1. Since 61November 19, 2025 at 7:06 AM

    These are "glimmers of hope" but do not amount to a silver lining in a season of utter regression and failure. Nolen's numbers for the season, when not injured, are almost outstanding. His pressure rate and run defense are dominant especially for a rookie.
    As a life long suffering Cards fan, it's deja vu all over again hating the franchise but rooting for players who are playing well and determined despite the recurring failures of the franchise decision makers. Imagine a kid who loves football, worked his whole life dreaming of the NFL only to get drafted by the losingest (817 losses), systemically dysfunctional, lowest rated by players, ownership in the history of the NFL.

    ReplyDelete
  2. RedrunNovember 19, 2025 at 9:54 AM

    It does beg the question what would this team look like if coached by competent HC , DC, & OC. All we need to do is look at our division rivals and can see that those coaches has done more with less talent.

    Like Since61 said as a long-suffering fan..., we can only hope the ownership would Please, Please step out of the way to end the cycle of decades long dysfunction.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Víctor M.November 19, 2025 at 1:46 PM

    Hi Walter, nice article. There are some building blocks to get at least a bit excited for the future. What do you think is the main reason for the sudden rise in TDs for Trey McBride with Jacoby? It is weird because K1 did target Trey often but he never had many touchdowns. He didn't have them in college either.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JethroBodineNovember 20, 2025 at 6:37 AM

      IMO, Kyler goes through his progressions to quickly and doesn't give his targets enough time to complete their routes. Jacoby is about 7 inches taller so he not only see's the field better but is willing to take a hit to deliver a pass when a receiver is at the top of their route.

      Delete
  4. JethroBodineNovember 20, 2025 at 6:36 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Since 61November 20, 2025 at 7:45 AM

    Cards just signed Trent Sherfield formerly with the team. Terrific ST player and a solid receiver. We could use him on the field and his locker room leadership/work ethic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NSCardNovember 20, 2025 at 9:25 AM

      We are in desperate need of special team players. Many of the core special team players who made the team for this purpose is injured such as Blount (the captain), Fehoko and even Gillikin. Many of our top contributors such as Volcolek and Rieman are injured or now needed on defence or offence because those primary (and secondary) options are injured. Let's hope Sherfield holds up. I bet Moore don't go for 98 yards to start the game if our special team regulars are available.

      Delete
  6. Flash87November 21, 2025 at 4:54 AM

    Nice to see Darious Robinson making progress.

    ReplyDelete

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