What we learned from the Arizona Cardinals in week 4

The Arizona Cardinals lost to the Seattle Seahawks last night, putting their record at 0-3-1 on the season. There is still plenty of football left in 2019 but the Cardinals’ uninspiring performances have crushed the hopes of almost all their fans.

Defending tight ends continues to be a major struggle

Week after week, the Cardinals are left scratching their heads trying to figure out a way to effectively cover opposing tight ends. Unfortunately for them, none of their efforts have been successful.

Here are how opposing tight ends fare against the Cardinals:

• T.J. Hockenson 6 catches, 131 yards, 1 TD
• Mark Andrews 8-112-1
• Greg Olsen 6-75-2
• Will Dissly 7-57-1

The Cardinals put D.J. Swearinger on tight ends but, again, did not have a really good day. Fortunately for Swearinger, Byron Murphy saved him from almost allowing another touchdown to a tight end. Chandler Jones dropped back into coverage but did not get the safety help he was expecting in the Will Dissly touchdown play. Next week the Cardinals face off against the winless Cincinnati Bengals team. For fantasy football managers, if TEs C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Eifert are available on waivers, put a claim for them immediately.

Kicking woes resurface

Just when we thought special teams was not an issue for the Cardinals, the kicking issues have returned. Zane Gonzalez made all nine of his field goals, prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks. He missed two field goals wide right, from 43 and 48. He finished the night converting only one of three field goals. It is possible that the new holder Ryan Winslow, in place of the injured Andy Lee, was part of the issue here. Had Gonzalez nailed all his kicks, it would have been a much-closer ballgame.

David Johnson and Chase Edmonds combo works

Edmonds ran hard last night, averaging 6.2 yards on seven carries. David Johnson has become Kyler Murray’s security blanket in the pass game, showing his elusiveness in space and dominance as a pass catcher. Johnson carried the ball 11 times for 40 yards and caught eight passes for 99 yards. With Christian Kirk likely to miss some time with an injury, Edmonds could be in line to receive more carries as Johnson gets more work as a receiver. The run-blocking this season overall has been atrocious, but it is encouraging to see the Cardinals’ running backs make something happen out of nothing.

Both Kyler Murray and the offensive line are to blame for the sacks allowed

Through four games, the Cardinals currently lead the league in sacks allowed (20). They are currently on pace to allow 80 total sacks by the end of the season, which would be an NFL record. The offensive line is just bad, with the combo of Jordan Mills and Justin Murray at right tackle being a big mess. Kyler Murray has to do a better job getting the ball out quicker. There have been one too many instances where he holds the ball for way to long. Just take the check down, throw the ball away, and live another down. Do the Cardinals have the Redskins on speed dial for Trent Williams?

There are a lot more things we learned but I am interested in seeing everyone else’s takeaways. What did you all learn?