PHX Reporter

Whenever an opposing offense enters the red zone, Cardinals linebackers Mack Wilson Sr. and Kyzir White are typically the defenders giving directions. During Sunday's game against the Patriots, when they were on the Cardinals' four-yard line in the third quarter, Wilson was absent from the huddle.

Earlier in the game, Wilson suffered a concussion after being hit by Patriots running back Antonio Gibson on a blitz pickup. "I was heartbroken for him because Mack has been talking about this game since he signed here," said White about his teammate who previously played for the Patriots. "I felt for him, and we just wanted to rally behind him and come out with the win."

The Cardinals managed to secure a 30-17 victory despite facing adversity. Following Wilson's injury, linebacker Jesse Luketa also went down with a thigh injury that sidelined him for the rest of the game.

In the third quarter, their defense faced another challenge as Gibson was stopped on a third-and-1 play from Arizona's four-yard line. On the next play, Rhamondre Stevenson was tackled for no gain, resulting in a turnover on downs.

Linebacker Krys Barnes filled in for Wilson and contributed to both crucial stops. "I'm just glad to be able to get in there because, to be honest, I've always wanted to be down there on the goal-line and have it on my shoulders," Barnes said. He credited his teammates Naquan Jones and White for assisting with tackles that forced turnovers.

White expressed confidence after stopping the Patriots' offense: "I feel like that's deflating for an offense to get down there and you don't score and get stopped on fourth-and-short." The next possession saw Sean Murphy-Bunting intercepting a pass. "It's about getting the ball back to our offense," Murphy-Bunting said.

Through three quarters, Arizona's defense limited New England to three points thanks to contributions from players like Barnes, Baron Browning, and Darius Robinson—who recorded career-first sacks during this game.

The team awaits updates on injuries sustained by Wilson and Luketa but remains prepared for future challenges. "We're trying to make sure we don't let our brothers down," Barnes stated regarding stepping up when needed due injuries within their ranks.