Regarding the first-half controversy that prevented the Arizona Cardinals from scoring six points during their 20-13 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, head coach Jonathan Gannon had little to say.
The Lions wanted to score before halftime and run down the clock with less than two minutes remaining. After dropping back to pass, Jared Goff was hit, and the ball landed up in the hands of Mack Wilson, a linebacker for the Cardinals, who raced it back for what appeared to be a pick-six.
Officials, however, declared the play to be dead ball since it ended after the two-minute warning.
When questioned about it after the game, Gannon replied succinctly, “I do not like that call.”
Officials, however, declared the play to be dead ball since it ended after the two-minute warning.
When questioned about it after the game, Gannon replied succinctly, “I do not like that call.”
After some cunning on a hook-and-ladder play, the Lions eventually scored on that drive, putting Detroit ahead by two possessions before the half (20–7).
Gannon revealed that none of his players were demoralized by the call at halftime, stating that they were concentrating on playing defense because that was within their power and that the circumstance was beyond their control. “No one was down when we arrived at halftime,” Gannon remarked. “We had a chance to tie the game in the second half, and I thought the defense played incredibly well.”
When it came to his team’s effort in the tough contest, where several players—particularly from the Lions—left with injuries, Gannon was more forthright.
Gannon remarked, “That is a very physical football team.” In my opinion, Dan Campbell does an excellent job teaching those boys the fundamentals, how to play with technique, how hard they play, and how much work they put in. To be honest, I felt we were equal.
“I felt like our effort was there, and our hitting was evident.” We did not lose the game because of that. It is my fault that we lost. We must set up all three game strategies more skillfully.
The Lions will now get ready for Week 4’s next NFC West encounter, as when they play Monday Night Football at Ford Field against the Seattle Seahawks on September 30.
