Nobody thought the Arizona Cardinals would have a losing record after three games. The Cardinals have gone through stretches during the first three games this season where they look awful. All three phases of the game and have looked poor at time, but none are as costly as special teams.
Arizona Cardinals Special Teams: Less Than Special
It all started in game one of the season. The Cardinals were a heavy favorite going into game facing a shorthanded New England Patriots team. Without their two best players, the Cardinals were expect to dominate. As poorly as they played on offense and defense throughout the game they had a chance to win. The Cardinals had a 47-yard field goal set up to take the lead and the game. A low snap from Kameron Canaday and rushed swing of his leg from Chandler Catanzaro hooked the kick wide left, leaving Cardinals fans stunned.
All looked well in the 40-7 beat down of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winning like that can hide some of the mistakes that happen within the game. But it was not lost on Cardinals coach Bruce Arians that Catanzaro missed an extra point.
The Culmination of Woes
Against the Buffalo Bills in week three, we saw the worst the Cardinals special teams play in the Bruce Arians era. On a punt in the first quarter the Bills were able to spring a big return, but more importantly a block on punter Drew Butler left him with a sprained ankle. This left Catanzaro to take over punting duties and he did so with mixed results, averaging only 36.5 yards per attempt that included a 19 yard punt.
Butler was still available to hold on field goals and did so most of the game effectively. But with just over two minutes to go in the third quarter disaster struck. Another poor snap from Canaday that went over Butler’s head left the Bills racing down the field for the scoop and score. You can see Butler limping badly has he tried to chase down the ball.
https://twitter.com/BarstoolJordie/status/780123894485102592
There was one very bright spot for the Cardinals special teams unit. Catanzaro lined up and kicked a perfect 60 yard field goal in the fourth quarter. This showed that his 59 yard kick in the preseason was not a fluke.
Final Thoughts
It is games like this that make you question if this Cardinals team is overrated or if they are just out of sync. Only time will tell as they move on to their first divisional game of the year. The San Francisco 49ers have looked up and down this season and both teams need this win to get out of a tie for last place in the division.
