Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon stands on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – Sixth straight loss and second instance of two consecutive games allowing 40+ points by the Arizona Cardinals. After the team’s 40-20 loss to the Houston Texans, head coach Jonathan Gannon answered for all Arizona’s shortcomings with the losing streak and defensive shortcomings.
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Despite the point disparity, he remains confident in his players and the defensive play calling. However, he candidly explained that the team on all three phases failed in Week 15.
Nov 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon walks the sidelines as he coaches against the Houston Texans in the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Gannon on sixth straight loss:
“We didn’t contest some routes well enough. Some zone distribution was off, we let the quarterback get out of the pocket. The run game, I thought was boom or bust. It was either going for one or two or 10 yards. Then, we gave up explosives. You’re not going to win games losing the explosive play battle, or the takeaway battle. So, we lose it 2-0 in the takeaway battle and the explosive plays they had a lot more than us. You’re not going to win.”
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon during action against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at State Farm Stadium on Dec 7, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
In the past six weeks, the Cardinals are allowing 36.2 points per game, easily the worst scoring defense during that span. Injuries haven’t helped Gannon’s case, but he sees his team failing on all three phases to execute. Second play of the game, allow a 57-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins, next play fumble the kickoff back to Texans. Then, on Arizona’s first offensive drive, go three-and-out for -7 yards.
Gannon discussed about the team’s slow starts and how they can’t fall down 17-0, especially at the speed the Cardinals did on Sunday. The 42-year-old head coach gave credit to Houston for outplaying Arizona, but he knows his players didn’t play well enough to compete against a talented playoff team.
Cardinals embarrassed and outplayed by Texans in 40-20 loss
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
