Cardinals slip again in new TD Wire power rankings

They fall all the way to No. 17 overall.

The Arizona Cardinals, following their 38-28 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, are now 6-6, have lost three games in a row and four of five. Obviously, things are not trending well for them.

It shows in the latest power rankings from Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield.

They fall again this week, dropping three slots to No. 17. It wasn’t that long ago that they were in the top 10.

This season, Kyler Murray has provided some magical moments in and around the pocket. His combination of athleticism and arm talent make him perhaps the prototype for the modern NFL quarterback. You can turn on any Arizona Cardinals game and see a mixture of backfoot throws, plays made outside of the pocket, and a quarterback creating with his legs.

On Sunday against the stout Los Angeles Rams defense, that magic waned a bit.

Murray and the Cardinals came up short in a loss to Los Angeles, and while Murray provided a few big moments, this play from late in the game shows a big of the risk-reward he offers at the position:

 

Murray tries to scramble away from pressure off the edge by turning his back to the defense and attempting to spin away, but as he does the ball gets punched out and the Rams defense recovers the loose ball, putting an end to a potential scoring threat.

Then on the next possession, Murray threw a Pick-Six to Troy Hiil, and Arizona’s fate was sealed.

The loss drops the Cardinals to 6-6 on the year, and a distressing pattern is forming. Since their overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks a few weeks ago the Cardinals have lost four of five games, and their only win came against the Buffalo Bills when they needed a Hail Mary at the death to pull out the victory. They get the Giants and the Eagles over the next two weeks, so they have a chance to turn things around a bit, but they best hurry.

Their defense has slipped, especially on third downs. The offense, which was putting up 30 points and 400 yards with regularity, seems to be in a funk.

The season has been a roller coaster of great play, which raises expectations, and disappointing performances following raised expectations.

They are due for a good stretch and a good showing on the road in Week 14 is a great way to getting back to what was happening earlier in the season.

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