Arizona Cardinals fall on National TV, lose to Tennessee Titans 32-27

Four down, one to go.

In the 4th game (3rd for the rest of the league) of the 2012 NFL pre-season, the Arizona Cardinals were defeated by the Tennessee Titans 32-27.

Hit the jump for details from the loss in Nashville.

QB John Skelton got the nod from the coaching staff to start the game, but unfortunately, to the disappointment of all the fans who want the on-going QB competition to end, had a very mediocre outing. Hit with numerous sacks and dropped passes, Skelton ended his outing only 4-10 for 41 yards, 1 interception, and a QB rating of 12.9. His rival in the QB competition, Kevin Kolb, was soon brought in, and Kolb had a much more positive outing than Skelton's, although it definitely wasn't without fault. Going 17-22 for 156 yards, Kolb even threw his first TD pass of the pre-season, putting 6 up on the scoreboard off a 3 yard pass to Andre Roberts at the end of the 2nd Quarter. However, he did have two interceptions, with one going the other way to result in a pick-6, but Kolb could very well have locked up the QB competition with his performance after the initial two interceptions. The Cardinals RB's also had a big day of their own, with William Powell leading the pack. Going 71 yards off 7 carries, including a 5-yard rush for a TD in the 4th Quarter, Powell has more or less cemented his spot on the roster. Powell's fellow RB, Javarris James, also added a TD of his own in the 4th Quarter, rushing into the endzone off an 11 yard handoff from QB Ryan Lindley.

The Cardinals Defense had a mixed day. Although they started off the game with a quick 3 and out, an interception by Skelton quickly turned into a quick TD drive by QB Jake Locker and the Titans Offense. They were also consistently burned by the Titans 1st Offense, as Locker ended the day 11-20 for 134 yards and 2 TD's. They did, however, limit the Titans offense to numerous 3 and outs, so that's definitely something work with going into next week.

Patrick Peterson made an appearance at PR for the Cardinals Special Teams, although he returned it for a loss of 4 yards, and was quickly relieved of his returning duties for the rest of the game. AJ Jefferson made the biggest impact on returning, taking three kick returns for 74 yards. K Jay Feely attempted two FG's, making both of them (With the longest one going 49 yards).

The time of possession for the Cardinals was 38:12, vs. 21:48 for the Titans. They had 27 1st Downs, 5 punts, and 6 penalties, which resulted in 44 yards for the Titans.

Next week, the Cardinals return home to take on Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. In what should be an interesting match-up (Given the Cardinals were once considered major contenders in the Manning sweepstakes), they will try to close out the pre-season finale on a good note.

Hopefully the Cardinals will be able to gain some momentum going into the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.