After starting the year 4-0, the Cardinals have now lost their last two games, against teams they were widely expected to beat.
In Week 6 of the 2012 NFL season, the Arizona Cardinals were defeated by the Buffalo Bills 19-16 at University of Phoenix stadium.
It was a mixed day for the offense, as the Cardinals O-line had yet another bad game. Giving up a total of 5 sacks today, they have now given up 24 in their last three games. It didn't just stop there. Providing horrible protection for QB Kevin Kolb, the O-line forced poor throws, bad decisions, and even several QB runs (However, Kolb excelled at this, carrying the ball 5 times for 66 yards). The lowest point for the O-line was when Kolb was sacked in his own endzone for a safety, giving the Bills two points, which would later become crucial in the defeat. Kolb did find Larry Fitzgerald for a 9 yard pass in the 2nd quarter, marking the team's only TD of the day. Late in the 4th quarter, Kolb was injured while attempting another QB run, ending his day at 14 for 26 for 128 yards, 1 TD, and 1 interception. Backup John Skelton was brought in, and a few plays later, K Jay Feely nailed a 61 yard FG to tie the game. However, on the Cardinals last drive, Feely shanked another opportunity, leaving the game at 16-16, and sending the team's to OT. In OT, poor O-line play and play-calling persisted, and Skelton wound up throwing an interception to set up the Bills for the game-winning FG.
The defense had a much worse day than many had predicted. Only sacking Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (An Arizona native) twice, they were not able to intercept him once. However, CB Patrick Peterson did intercept WR Brad Smith on a wildcat trick formation, setting up the drive where Feely tied the game. CB William Gay also had a fumble recovery for the Cardinals, which proved to be one of the highlights for the defense. However, the defense did limit Fitzpatrick to 18-32 for only 153 yards, and no TD's.
For the Cardinals special teams, it was also a mixed day. K Jay Feely went 3-4, making it twice from 49 yards, and once from 61 yards (Which tied the game). However, he did miss the easy game-winning FG at the end of regulation. RB William Powell led the team in returning, taking two KR's for 49 yards.
The time of possession for the Cardinals was 32:28, vs. 31:22 for the Bills. They had 5 punts, 19 1st downs, and 7 penalties, which resulted in 67 yards for the Bills.
Next week, the Cardinals take on the Minnesota Vikings. Thought to be an easy match before the season began, this will be another tough one for a struggling team that has now dropped to 4-2.
For now, all eyes will once again be on the QB situation. Which is the exact opposite of what every Cardinals fan wanted, going into Week 7.