GLENDALE — What seemed like a sure win for the Arizona Cardinals against the Tennessee Titans quickly turned into one of the team’s worst collapses in recent memory, leaving fans in disbelief.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!One instance came from Cardinals’ running back Emari Demercado, who made a costly mistake early in the fourth quarter.
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) takes the field before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 5, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Arizona led Tennessee 21-6 in the fourth quarter when the team faced third-and-1 at its own 29-yard line. Quarterback Kyler Murray received the snap and gave it to Demercado, hoping to get the first down. Demercado ran for 72 yards to the endzone, but not for a touchdown.
While it was initially ruled for six points, officials later determined it was a fumble, as the Cardinals’ running back lost possession of the ball before crossing the goal line. Since the ball bounced out of play after crossing the end zone, it was ruled a touchback.
Fans couldn’t believe how the play transpired, with some asking for the team to bench or cut Demercado.
We just find ways to lose. https://t.co/HCsX7zxbP0
— Russell Bray (@rus787) October 5, 2025
He lost the game for AZ. Cut him from the roster. https://t.co/6rMwkLuere
— Dooby-Scoo (@ProudDevilAlum) October 5, 2025
Bro what is so hard about just crossing the GoalLine man. This getting crazy you gain nothing from this type of celebration… NOTHING! https://t.co/Xl5QJNC6kY
— Coach_Will_I_Am (@Coach_WAC_IV) October 5, 2025
What does this say about the culture in AZ? Unacceptable https://t.co/kwamQCB8Zd
— Michael Handel (@Mike_Handel) October 5, 2025
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) runs the ball for 71 yards before fumbling against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
The Cardinals lost an opportunity to add seven more points to their lead, going scoreless the rest of the quarter.
Tennessee took advantage of the blunder and more miscues from Arizona, scoring 16 unanswered points to steal a 22-21 win with a walk-off field goal. This was the Cardinals’ third straight loss to a walk-off field goal this season.
What once appeared to be a turnaround year for the team has quickly unraveled and fans are now left wondering what went wrong.. While there are 12 games left for Arizona to get back on track, Demercado’s mistake and a third straight loss have fans feeling uncertain about this season’s team.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) walks off the field after their 22-21 loss to the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 5, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Cardinals will look to break their losing streak in Indiana against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 10 a.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray reacts to Emari Demercado’s fumble at goal line
