Three winners and three losers from Arizona Cardinals loss to the Carolina Panthers

What a terrible way to head into the bye week, taking on the two teams everyone had circled on the schedule and coming out 0-1-1.

Offensively they seemed to find their rhythm, but it took too long.

Let’s take a look at some winners and losers from this game.

Winners:

The Arizona Cardinals Division Chances: While their wild card playoff chances may be slim to none, they still have a real shot to win the division. Thanks to the Saints and their big win over the Seattle Seahawks today. The Cardinals cannot expect too much more help though, so they need to figure out what is going in their own house, because they cannot keep worrying about what others are doing.

David Johnson: Despite a pathetic stat line rushing the football, Johnson showed why he is the best player on the Arizona Cardinals. He found a way to continually make an impact, even when he was not getting the ball in good positions to run. He caught seven passes for 84 yards and was the guy that kept a number of drives alive.

Arizona Cardinals Wide Receivers: Maybe this is taking into account to much of the garbage time, but the receivers did a nice job today of making plays for Carson Palmer, who did a nice job himself. J.J. Nelson continues to grow and John Brown found a way to contribute even if in a limited role. Meanwhile, Larry Fitzgerald continues to fight, scratch and claw for every yard he earns. Maybe this was a turning point for the offense, we can only hope.

Losers:

Arizona Cardinals Wild Card Chances: Yuck, how do you continue to find ways to shoot yourself in the foot? That is what this season has been for the Cardinals. They are not anywhere near eliminated, but it is clear that they are going to have to catch a lot of breaks in the second half to get a wild card spot in 2016.

Arizona Cardinals Offensive Line: Eight sacks... EIGHT! 24 yards rushing. What a terrible performance by a unit that has been built over the four years Steve Keim and Bruce Arians have been in charge here in Arizona. Despite the continued investment they still cannot find a way to consistently perform well.

Tyrann Mathieu and Jared Veldheer’s health: As if losing isn’t bad enough, two of the more integral players left injured. Mathieu with a shoulder injury before the half and Veldheer with an arm injury in the fourth quarter.

Get well over the bye week fellas, cause it doesn’t get any easier after the home game against the San Francisco 49ers.