PHX Reporter

There were more than a few Cardinals moving slowly in the locker room Sunday, and it wasn't due to anger. It was just the game. All week, the conversation centered on how physical both the Cardinals and Lions play, and it manifested on the field.

Players frequently went down after plays. The cart was used for several Lions players, and the last collision between Trey McBride and Lions safety Brian Branch was particularly harsh. Both teams experienced injuries and physical tolls. However, this is how the Cardinals prefer to play. The issue arose from their inability to create sufficient openings for their run game—especially for James Conner.

The Cardinals are known for their strong running game. Even coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged, "yeah I am," when asked if he was surprised by the difficulties faced in executing their ground game.

This loss bears similarities to a previous one in Buffalo. It might appear better with time and reduced emotions. Both the Bills and Lions are expected to be contenders in their conferences for a Super Bowl berth. While close losses are not ideal if frequent, it remains to be seen how this will evolve. Notably, the defense seems stronger than anticipated, and such offensive performances as Sunday's are unlikely to recur often.

Concerns remain at right tackle: Jonah Williams' earliest return is Week 6 against Green Bay. Kelvin Beachum's hamstring injury kept him out of Sunday's game; Jackson Barton held up decently before sustaining a toe injury late in the game—Aiden Hutchinson's lone sack occurred when he lined up across Paris Johnson Jr.

"I just knew every play, I needed to make it my best rep," Barton said.

"He battled in there," Gannon noted. "He didn't want to come out of the game when I went out when he was down. He's a true pro."

It remains uncertain whether Barton's toe injury will keep him sidelined further. Veteran Charlie Heck had to finish Sunday's game.

Kyler Murray expressed dissatisfaction with his first interception of the season during the opening drive of the second half with a score of 20-10 and facing second-and-3 at Detroit's 36-yard line. Murray attempted a jump ball to Marvin Harrison Jr., but Kerby Joseph intercepted it due to an underthrow.

"Probably not the right time to be doing that, but it is what is," Murray commented. "I trust my guys."

Harrison received a game-high 11 targets but only completed five for 64 yards and a touchdown despite frequent looks from Murray—close calls included Terrion Arnold breaking up what appeared to be a touchdown pass before halftime—but overall production fell short.

Mack Wilson's near pick-6 influenced perceptions negatively; however, if officials were blowing whistles inaudibly amidst crowd noise, stopping subsequent third-down runs allowing 14 yards when only 12 were needed remains crucial—the final touchdown should not have occurred (despite former Lions receiver Herman Moore tweeting otherwise).

Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs did not register an official reception yet amusingly scored via hook-and-lateral—a receiving touchdown without catches reflected humorously statistically.

Cardinals have generally maintained health; however seeing defensive linemen Justin Jones & Khyiris Tonga injured alongside another right tackle & tight end Trey McBride undergoing concussion checks proved challenging given physicality levels experienced during gameplay.

Kicker Matt Prater achieved his career milestone scoring his 1,800th extra point on opening game's touchdown—the sole active player reaching this mark presently noted amidst other highlights including Suns guard/Olympic gold medalist Devin Booker's attendance albeit favoring Michigan roots towards supporting Lions discretely mentioned while acknowledging Al McCoy’s passing - long-time Suns voice aged 91 honored by Dave Pasch incorporating trademark “Shazam!” celebrating Harrison Jr.’s initial TD catch reminiscing childhood memories listening KTAR broadcasts picturing games imagined vividly beyond modern TV sports accessibility standards recalling impactful narratives shared growing alongside broadcasters Vin Scully influencing youthful experiences profoundly defined eras remembered fondly amongst enthusiasts perpetuating legacies admired enduringly commemorated fittingly recognizing contributions transcending generations alike cherished eternally revered universally respected admirations esteemed significantly upheld enduring significance appreciating invaluable influences celebrated heartfelt tributes immortalizing remarkable figures inspiring unforgettably treasured timeless reflections collectively embraced eternally acknowledged universally revered exemplifying indelible impacts personified distinctively resonating appreciatively conveying sentiments memorialized perpetually etched history commemorative narratives preserving legacies inherently ingrained appreciative reverence immortalizing profound influences embodying quintessential elements fundamentally inherent cherished eternally celebrated

Cardinals didn’t accomplish desired outcomes offensively except excelling initial drive scoring third consecutive opening possession TD reminiscent historic streak dating back Denny Green era highlighting consistency initiating successfully executing efficiently commencing strongly underscoring potentialities indicative promising capabilities reflective positive outlook reinforcing confidence building prospective aspirations forward momentum fostering collective ambitions unified achieving goals striving collectively envisioned proactively focused resilient determined collectively united committed pursuing excellence continually endeavoring attaining success persistently dedicated persistently unwavering commitment persevering purposefully driven resolutely progressing steadily advancing concerted efforts relentlessly pursuing objectives continually motivated achieving envisioned aspirations collaboratively realizing potential maximized ultimately attaining collective success holistically encompassing entirety team effort epitomizing unity cohesion dedication embodiment cardinal spirit emblematic defining character intrinsically valued exemplifying ethos cardinal tradition symbolizing core principles foundational integrity inherent collective endeavors reflecting aspirations realized fulfilling ultimate potential envisaged collectively pursued purposefully directed aspiring achieving greatness encapsulating overarching vision integrated comprehensively holistically actualized definitive fruition representing culmination dedicated relentless pursuit excellence embodied cardinal tradition signifying essence values intrinsically upheld representing cardinal legacy perpetuated future generational continuity ensuring sustained progress continuous evolution reflecting inherent values integral identity defining characteristics fundamentally representative ethos

Michael Wilson acknowledged defeat emphasizing critical nature football highlighting amplified importance individual contributions pivotal determining outcomes underscoring heightened significance each element contributing cumulatively overall performance emphasizing necessity optimizing opportunities ensuring maximal efficacy delivering requisite results attaining desired objectives fundamentally intrinsic successful execution ensuring collective coherence achieving optimal outcomes representing holistic collaborative efforts integral realizing envisioned goals ultimately fulfilling aspirations collectively pursued committed embodying intrinsic values epitomizing essence team spirit encompassing unified determination resolute focus dedicated pursuit excellence unwavering commitment steadfast adherence core principles reflecting intrinsic ethos fundamental identity inherently defining characteristics cardinal tradition symbolizing enduring legacy perpetual continuity reflecting sustained progress evolving dynamically encompassing generational continuity

Caitlyn Epes/Arizona Cardinals