Michael Wilson sat in the locker room after the Arizona Cardinals’ 26-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium, reflecting on a game that saw both personal highlights and team setbacks. Wilson scored a notable touchdown by pinning a loose football between his thighs but was also involved in the interception that sealed Atlanta’s win.
“You never get numb,” Wilson said. “No matter how many games you’ve lost in a row, it’s unacceptable.” He added, “I don’t have anything to say. It’s just not unacceptable.”
The Cardinals had a chance late in the game after stopping a fourth-and-1 run by the Falcons with just over two minutes remaining. However, Jacoby Brissett’s pass intended for Wilson was intercepted by C.J. Henderson, ending hopes of a comeback. Brissett completed 16 of 31 passes for 203 yards and took responsibility for the play: “I’ve got to give (Wilson) a better ball.” Wilson also accepted blame.
Coach Jonathan Gannon and players cited execution as an ongoing issue contributing to close losses throughout the season. “It comes down to the details and the finish,” Brissett said. “I think we have good plays called.” This marks Arizona’s eighth one-score defeat this year.
The Cardinals started strong, scoring on their first four drives—a first for them this season—and holding an early double-digit lead. Tight end Elijah Higgins posted a career-high 91 receiving yards. Kicker Chad Ryland made two long field goals but missed two others later in the game.
“I’ve got all of the faith in the world in him,” Gannon said about Ryland. “I’m sure he wants some back, just like everybody in there. I’ll keep putting him out there. I’ve got faith in him.”
Defensively, Arizona struggled against Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who finished with 168 total yards and a receiving touchdown.
Veteran Campbell commented on another disappointing result: “I’m just so surprised,” Campbell said. “I did not think we’d lose this many games.” He noted that injuries have been significant this season—something he has not experienced before at such volume during his career.
Injuries further impacted Sunday’s game; cornerback Garrett Williams suffered an Achilles injury, Walter Nolen III injured his knee, outside linebacker Josh Sweat left with an ankle problem after trying to return from treatment, center Hjalte Froholdt had his elbow bandaged during halftime, and Budda Baker was evaluated for concussion symptoms but returned after being cleared.
Gannon addressed his team postgame: “I told the guys in (the locker room) that they are all in there for a reason,” Gannon said. “We’re down. We aren’t defeated. They’re picked for a reason, and we think they can play and help us win, so that’s what we’ve got to do.”
The game’s turning point came when Brissett threw an interception with 1:30 left on the clock following injuries sustained earlier on that drive; it allowed Atlanta to take—and keep—the lead with a Zane Gonzalez field goal.
Other notable performances included Denzel Burke’s opening-drive interception—making him only the fourth Cardinal rookie since 1988 with at least three interceptions in one season—Will Johnson’s two pass breakups, Michael Carter’s season-high rushing total of 65 yards, and Higgins’ standout day as defenses focused elsewhere.
