Murray’s Late Magic Falls Short in Cardinals’ TNF Loss
September 26, 2025
Thursday’s NFC West battle between the 2-1 Seahawks and the 2-1 Cardinals was a bit of a snooze fest. With the undefeated 49ers seemingly set to spiral amidst all of their injury woes, the TNF clash represented an opportunity for one of these teams to seize the opportunity for a push to take the division.
The Cardinal offense started out pretty putrid. Most Thursday Night games begin that way with it being a short week for recovery from the prior game week but also a short week to install the game plan. Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr were nowhere near the same page, with passes constantly sailing to where you’d assume the receiver is supposed to be running, or picture perfect passes bouncing off Harrison’s hands for an easy interception. It was flat out embarrassing and the boo birds rained down with every sailed pass, every drop, and every decision to punt. Fortunately for Murray and the offense, the defense was holding steady and keeping them in it.
It really seemed like this team was missing their leader in James Conner, the one that set the tone and could be relied upon to move the sticks. Second year runner Trey Benson was doing what he could, but just couldn’t find his footing against the Seahawk defense.
Take the field, punt, get booed, repeat. But then the fourth quarter started and something began to click. Murray hit Harrison Jr on a back shoulder throw, then threw a beautiful jump ball pass into the endzone for the touchdown. Harrison Jr took a moment after securing the grab to take a knee and you could see in real time all of the weight coming off of his shoulders. With about 30 seconds remaining in the game, Murray would hit his backup runner Emari DeMercado who would make it to the endzone to draw even at 20 a piece.
Though the Seahawks would find their way into field goal range and win it 23-20, fans should be encouraged by the growth and fight that this Arizona team showed while battling back in the fourth quarter. Fans were booing, heads were down, it was visible how much confidence was lacking from their playmakers. However, they found a way to give themselves a chance, but it was a little too late. The next step for them will be to come out ready to battle next week because they can clearly get the job done if they can come out ready to go.
Keith, Author
Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.
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