The day after, the Cardinals were trying to pull what they could from their rough loss to the Titans and get to the point tackle Paris Johnson Jr. had mentioned Sunday night – their story had not yet been written for this season.
"I think one of the biggest messages was to not freak out and to stick to the process," tight end Elijah Higgins said.
But coach Jonathan Gannon did talk on Monday about what was learned from the 22-21 defeat that came from a 21-3 lead.
At the lead was the Cardinals' decision to run for a third straight time on their final offensive possession, an play that went nowhere and forced a punt. Gannon said he talked to offensive coordinator Drew Petzing about it afterward and reiterated his message postgame that the Cardinals needed to put their offense "in a little better spot" on third-and-8.
"We were expecting one thing, they didn't give it to us," Gannon said. "I could've used a timeout there, that's something I could've done better. I know (Drew) didn't really love the call either. It's something we talked about and we have to put our guys in better spots."
Gannon said he could've used a timeout to think it through, calling it "a learning experience for myself." He also said he'd never override a Petzing call "because he's the offensive playcaller." Gannon added that quarterback Kyler Murray does not have the ability to change out of the play.
Gannon also said the discussion between he and Petzing was about why they didn't put it in Murray's hands. Asked on Arizona Sports his trust level in Murray, Gannon said "the whole building trusts Kyler."
Gannon's accountability with himself started first thing Monday morning. Video circulated on social media of an interaction of a heated Gannon with running back Emari Demercado following Demercado's fumble just before crossing the goal line on his long run. The coach said he woke up the day after and "didn't feel great about it."
He addressed it in the team meeting Monday, calling it "a mistake by me."
"I apologized to Emari and I apologized to the team," Gannon said. "I just told them I let the moment of what happened get the better of me there. I try to be emotionally stable and calm, because my job is to solve problems during a game and lead the charge on that. It's not who I am, who I want to be."
Gannon added there would be no repercussions for Demercado because of the fumble, because "it's the best thing for the team."
The other side of the ball was also under the microscope. Gannon noted the defense had a chance to close out the last three losses. But he also watched the unit shut down the Titans during "two-minute mechanics" at the end of the first half.
"I know it's in there and I know we can do it," Gannon said. "Do we have to get into different calls, do we need to deploy people a little different? Those are things we have to look at. It's up to us to close the game when the defense is on the field."
Higgins said the Cardinals know the process has to continue to improve to get different results. Gannon, even with all his analysis, emphasized repeatedly his belief in the staff and players.
"We'll stick together. We've been through adversity," Gannon said. "We've got the right leaders in the locker room. The players will rally around doing the right things.
"If we didn't have the right people in the locker room, I'd be on red alert. Just from experience being in the NFL, you can see this go bad a lot of times. I'm not worried about it."
The top images taken by the Cardinals photographers during the 2025 Week 5 regular season game against the Tennessee Titans, presented by Earnhardt Auto Centers.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Fans during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (20) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals punter Blake Gillikin (12) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) , Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) , Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) , Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (74) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (5) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (5) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18), Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch (52) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55), Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Fans and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1), Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Nick Leverett (60) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jon Gaines II (71) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (68) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) and Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72), Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2), Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during the Week 5 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.
