The Arizona Cardinals faced more injuries in their recent loss to the Atlanta Falcons, with defensive back Garrett Williams and rookie Walter Nolen III both leaving the game due to non-contact injuries. Williams suffered an Achilles injury while Nolen sustained a knee injury, both requiring assistance off the field.
Veteran Calais Campbell commented on the emotional toll of losing teammates throughout the season. “You try to tell yourself, ‘Next man up,'” Campbell said, “but you’re losing friends and losing guys you depend on and go to war with and have confidence with. There are a lot of new faces. That’s on a weekly basis, it seems like.”
Rookie cornerback Denzel Burke described his reaction to witnessing so many injuries in one game: “It’s kind of scary,” Burke said. “It’s the first time in my career to see so many guys get hurt like that in one game. You just gotta pray for them. Football is a tough game.”
Wide receiver Michael Wilson made a notable 32-yard touchdown catch early in the game but was disappointed by his role in a late interception that contributed to the defeat. Wilson reflected on his catch, saying, “I think that was just, I’m not going to say lucky, but just a once-in-a, funky, wonky catch that happens once a season where, honestly you just get lucky and the ball didn’t hit the ground… I thought it was incomplete.” Quarterback Jacoby Brissett added about Wilson’s play: “I looked at the Jumbotron and saw how he caught it, and I don’t think he realized he caught it until he looked up too. Great play by him.”
Wilson accepted responsibility for not preventing C.J. Henderson’s interception late in the game: “It was a bad play by me,” Wilson said. “I felt like I just misjudged the ball. I didn’t realize how close the defender was to me. Just a play I wish I had back.”
Kicker Chad Ryland converted field goals from 50 yards and 51 yards but missed two others before hitting another late kick to keep Arizona within reach. Ryland stated after the game: “We started good and the operation was good all night… you’ve got to make the decision that no matter what the cards are that are in your hand, it’s number one, be a man, step up and make your kicks and number two, be a good kicker and know what you’re trained to do.”
Tight end Trey McBride’s streak of games with at least five receptions ended at 16 as Atlanta focused their defense on him; Elijah Higgins stepped up with seven catches for 91 yards.
Arizona recorded its best rushing performance since Week 10 with 132 yards on the ground led by Michael Carter’s 65 yards.
Calais Campbell blocked an extra point attempt for his second block in as many weeks.
Despite losing again, there were some positive outcomes regarding next year’s draft position; Arizona remains sixth overall while hurting draft prospects for division rival Rams who hold Atlanta’s pick.
Linebacker BJ Ojulari recorded his first sack since November 2023 after missing significant time due to injury.
Burke secured his third interception this season—making him only the fourth rookie since Arizona relocated who has achieved at least three picks—crediting part of his success to pressure from Nolen prior to Nolen’s injury: “I played receiver back in the day” Burke said. “So I think I just kind of have a knack for the ball.”
Campbell reflected on giving Arizona one last chance late in regulation: “It’s a good feeling. A lot of times I want them to go for it because it gives us a chance. It just wasn’t enough. But we had a shot.”
With this loss marking their final home game at State Farm Stadium this season, Arizona will look ahead as they prepare for their next matchup against Cincinnati.
