(Courtesy of CBS)
After their date with destiny was dashed by the St. Louis Rams, the Arizona Cardinals hoped at the very least to just get back into the win column on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Not only did they not, but they lost in just about the most miserable way possible. It's as if they stepped on destiny's toe, then accidentally spilled wine on destiny's dress before destiny ran away crying. Bad date with destiny.
Offense: D+
The Cardinals running game was a surprising success, and Kevin Kolb wasn't altogether awful, despite being harried once again. But once Kolb went out with a rib injury, John Skelton's return was woeful. He completed 2 of 10 passes -- though both were big connections to Larry Fitzgerald, which helps boost the grade -- and threw the game-deciding interception to Jairus Byrd. Arizona has to be pleased with the effort by running back William Powell, though, who had 13 carries for 70 yards in his first meaningful action. Previous game's grade: D-
Defense: B-
The defense did its part for much of the game, allowing just two drives of more than 32 yards in regulation. Both of those went for touchdowns, though, to C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, who combined for more than 140 yards. The Cardinals got decent push up front, sacked Ryan Fitzpatrick twice and picked off Brad Smith on a wildly thrown pass in the Wildcat formation. Ultimately, blame for the loss lies elsewhere, but the defense probably felt like it could've done more. Previous game's grade: C
Special teams: C+
What a tough one to grade. Jay Feely hit one of the all-time great field goals in team history, a 61-yard bomb that probably could've cleared another five yards, to tie the game with 1:09 to play. Then, he tagged the left upright on the potential game-winner as time expired on a kick that was apparently tipped ever so slightly at the line. Dave Zastudil's booming punts tip the scales in favor of positivity, though the missed game-winner could come back to haunt the Cardinals. Previous game's grade: C
Coaching: C
Ken Whisenhunt deserves credit for keeping the Cardinals in what was a tight game. But Arizona has high aspirations, and this was a Buffalo team that lost 45-3 to San Francisco. That doesn't bode well for the Cardinals, who now have the toughest part of the schedule ahead, with dates against the 49ers, Packers, Vikings and Falcons in the next five weeks. It was as must-win a game as can be in October for a team trying to keep pace in a crowded NFC West picture. Previous game's grade: C
For more news and analysis from Cardinals blogger Jon Gold, follow @CBSCards on Twitter.
