Cardinals give game away to Titans with embarrassing series of mistakes

There are few words to describe how unacceptable that is. There was never a good excuse for it, but we have seen it happen so many times in the NFL — and in college — over the years that players should be well aware of the risk and how embarrassing this mistake can be. Yet, it still keeps happening.

The Titans ended up getting the ball as a touchback and drove down the field to score a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 21-12.

That helped set the stage for the second-wildest play of this game later in the quarter.

The second time the Cardinals gave the game away

With just under five minutes to play in regulation, Titans quarterback Cam Ward was intercepted after scrambling around, delivering what should have been another knockout punch to their chances. But instead of securing the ball, Cardinals defensive back Dadrion Taylor-Demerson fumbled it, causing a mad scramble that ended with Titans wide receiver Tyler Lockett falling on it in the end zone for a touchdown.

Arizona had to punt the ball back to Tennessee on its ensuing drive, giving the Titans one more opportunity. Ward ended up leading a drive down inside the Cardinals' 15-yard line that ended with a walk-off game-winning field goal.

Along with the two huge mistakes here, Arizona's second half possessions had the following results: Fumble, punt, fumble, punt and punt. 

The NFC West and NFC playoff races are too good for a fringe playoff team to give away a game like that to the worst team in the NFL. It's the type of loss that costs players jobs and maybe even gets the ball rolling on bigger changes. The Cardinals should have won this game, and they have nobody to blame but themselves for not winning it.