“Hey Darren, appreciate you answering my last set of questions. I am going to try to turn this into a question although this is more of an observation/statement and hoping for a rebuttal. After the Titans game, there was much talk about how there is not one play that cost you the game, generally speaking I would agree with that, but in this instance, I feel like that is an absolute crazy statement when such an obvious play exists. If it isn’t one play that cost them the game then what is it? Two? Three? There is an actual number. I do feel like, unfortunately, the fumble in the Titans game, which is an inexplicable and selfish play, didn’t only cost them the game, but cost them the season. I feel bad, but the inability to cut or bench Emari Demercado, following the fumble and then apologizing for being upset about it and handling it the way he did is the play that cost them the season.”
Here’s my rebuttal. Gotta be honest, Mackay, what is crazy to me is that there are some still obsessing over this. It is crazy to me to say the losses to the Colts and Packers, in your mind, is directly connected to a third-quarter fumble in Week 5, one that happened when the Cardinals were up by multiple scores. If it makes you feel better, Demercado was essentially benched the following game in Indy, playing just three offensive snaps before he got hurt. It wasn’t announced, and perhaps you are looking for the additional public humiliation.
We will also have to agree to disagree there is a set number of plays that cost a team a game. If we are talking about one-score games there have to be double figures, right? If we are being serious at least. You would find one on every single scoring drive, because one fewer third-down conversion, for instance, could be a game changer. Those are just facts — if we are truly talking about a single play changing a game. Many we may not talk about afterward, but it doesn’t make them any less impactful.
Finally, A.D. Mitchell was not cut. Jonathan Taylor was not cut last season. Bengals safety Jordan Battle was not cut last season. Desean Jackson was not cut in 2008. Guys don’t get cut for such a mistake. I get it. You’re mad. But I cannot disagree with your position more.