Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon remains skeptical about the concept of momentum in football, despite a recent turn of events in a game against the Detroit Lions. In the second quarter, the Cardinals appeared to have intercepted a pass from Lions quarterback Jared Goff and returned it for a touchdown, which would have tied the game. However, the referees ruled that the play was dead due to reaching the two-minute warning before the snap. Referee Brad Rogers explained that the clock had reached two minutes, and by rule, the play was considered dead. Gannon simply commented postgame that “They call what they call.”
This ruling proved to be a turning point in the game, as the Lions capitalized on the opportunity and scored a touchdown before the half, ultimately winning 20-13. Despite the controversial call, the Cardinals were unable to recover and secure a victory. Gannon, who had previously questioned the significance of momentum in football, may have some reconsideration after this particular game.
The Cardinals’ loss to the Lions, fueled by a disputed call, highlights the impact of officiating decisions on game outcomes. Gannon’s reaction, although brief, reflects the frustration felt by the team and its fans. As they move forward in the season, the Cardinals will need to regroup and focus on improving their performance on the field, regardless of external factors. The controversial play will undoubtedly be a subject of discussion among fans, analysts, and players in the coming days.
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