The Arizona Cardinals defense kept the score close and picked-off three interceptions, but the offense couldn’t thread the needle as the Houston Texans were victorious, 21-16.
On social media, the “Bird Gang” were ecstatic after their 25-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons last week, but it was a different story today.
Quarterback Kyler Murray was trending on X (formerly Twitter) after the game in Texas concluded based on his performance.
Throughout the game, Cardinals fans were going back and forth on different opinions and thoughts on how he did.
Throwing for 214 yards and completing 20-30 passes, the Arizona faithful either pointed out his flaws or thought he did fine, no compromise.
Anyone that still thinks that Kyler Murray is a franchise quarterback is a hopeless dreamer.
— Blue AZ! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 (@KrollMik123) November 19, 2023
Kyler Murray is electric but his biggest weakness remains his inconsistency
He can look like the best player in the league on one drive and like a lost puppy the next.
— 🐍 D-Backsfan223 🐍 (@CorbinOverGoldy) November 19, 2023
Furthermore, there was an agenda towards Cards’ cornerback Marco Wilson.
On 1st and 10 at the ARZ 40, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a pass to wide receiver Tank Dell for a touchdown.
However, Wilson was the one defending Dell before Wilson lost track of what route Dell was running before he scored.
Leave Marco Wilson at Houston.
— S00NERFAN – Kyler Murray enjoyer (@S0ONERFAN) November 19, 2023
Marco Wilson a liability on the field now #BirdGang
— David (@David61271273) November 19, 2023
i have no idea why marco wilson is still on this team let alone our starting corner
— Jalen (@Jalenlx) November 19, 2023
Despite the loss, Cardinals fans did praise the defense for keeping them in the game and having three interceptions.
Stroud threw right to Arizona safety Jalen Thompson, linebacker Krys Barnes and cornerback Antonio Hamilton.
It’s ok #BirdGang you see the play!
Our defense came to play in the second half…… we are positioning ourselves for a great offseason!!! #nfl pic.twitter.com/bX2Revcwkc— Coach Dre (@andre_tillman) November 19, 2023
KRYS BARNES LETS GO
— Ryan 🦍💯 (@ItsKryptick) November 19, 2023
Krys Barnes again! He deserves a game ball w/o a doubt!
— Desert Sports (@AZSportsFan20) November 19, 2023
jalen thompson with the boom
— Makaveli (@makavelix02) November 19, 2023
The Texans would punt towards the end of the game on 4th and 1 punter Cameron Johnston kicking the ball 50 yards to the ARZ 19.
As it was in the air, the ball ended up hitting the back of a Texans player who was contested by Hamilton.
Controversially, the referees went to a review due to not knowing who the ball hit off of.
Moments later, the officials announced that it hit Hamilton instead of the Texan, and therefore, Houston would gain possession again after hey gathered the ball from the deflection.
Following the dramatic call, the “Bird Gang” were not happy.
Can we get A.I. Refs from here on out? Refs should be fined for bad calls and all plays/penalties should be reviewable and challengeable.. this is getting ridiculous. @AZCardinals #BirdGang
— Bodie Chavez (@ChavezBodie) November 19, 2023
Refs Game 💯
Always Proud of You. ❤️🤍🖤💯 #Birdgang— Táchii'nii 💪🏾 (@BirdgangSpencer) November 19, 2023
Worst officiating game I’ve ever seen this year. NFL seriously needs to look into this…#BirdGang
— Always Arizona Sports (@theaztrl) November 19, 2023
While the majority of the Cardinals faithful blamed either the offense or officiating, others blamed head coach Jonathan Gannon and his play-calling.
This loss in on @AZcardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon. His refusal to sit Marco Wilson caused us this game.. not only was he given up plays in the secondary all game long,but was even given up plays on special teams! It’s just plain stupidity! #birdgang
— PHXson602 (@WetlikeDBook) November 19, 2023
Jonathan Gannon needs to get his head examined …
— JIFFY SPORTS FAN (@JIFFYSPORTSFAN) November 19, 2023
The Cardinals fall to 2-9 on the season and remain fourth place in the NFC West.
Returning home, Arizona face the Los Angeles Rams inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 26 at 2:05 p.m.
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Alec Cipollini is a reporter of the Arizona Coyotes and Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @AlecCipollini
