GLENDALE – Embarrassment isn’t the right word to describes the Arizona Cardinals 22-21 lost to the Tennessee Titans. Humiliating is close, unforgivable might be perfect. Arizona held an 18-point lead at one point and proceeded to not score a single point the rest of the game. The offensive cold streak could lead fans to blame offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, or quarterback Kyler Murray.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, the biggest reason why the Cardinals lost on Sunday was because of one massive mistake by running Emari Demercado. The 26-year-old had a breakaway 72-yard touchdown to put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter, and what he decides to do is drop it on the one-yard line.
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
Demercado’s fumble cost Cardinals:
The play would’ve made it a three-score game and essentially ice the game for the win. Head coach Jonathan Gannon will likely say postgame that one play doesn’t lose his team the game. Despite that, Demercado had the game in his hands and decided to flick it into the back of the endzone to give the ball back to the Titans.
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon stands on the field before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Arizona would still allowed 16 unanswered points after that moment, but that play will continue to haunt fans for the rest of the season if the failures keep coming for the franchise. The fumble could be the type of mistake that could cause the Cardinals to cut ties with Demercado. Only time will tell if Gannon and his staff will let one massive mistake decide the fate of his running back.
Cardinals blow 18-point lead in embarrassing 22-21 home loss to Titans
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
