The Cardinals survived two Max Hall interceptions in the first half and another quarterback change. They survived a 31-14 third quarter lead for the Bucs.
On a day where so much went wrong, the Cardinals had the ball at the 20-yard line, down 38-35, with the two minute warning approaching. It looked like they’d go to overtime at the worst.
Enter Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib and Cardinals quarterback Derek Anderson. Talib picked off a slant pass headed for Larry Fitzgerald, and Raheem Morris “Best team in the NFC” had their fifth win of the season.
“There are so many twists and turns, and then to have a chance at the end and make a mistake, it’s a very bitter loss,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said after the game.
A 3-4 record in the NFC West isn’t a death sentence. Not when the first place team loses 33-3 in Oakland. But this was a game the Cardinals could have won.
“I think the ball went to the right spot,” Anderson said. “I have to look at it. But the guy made a good play. Obviously, it was very frustrating, first down on their 20 and to throw a pick and not even give us a chance to at least tie the game.”
Whisenhunt said he wouldn’t name a quarterback for next week until he watched the film. Hall has failed to finish his last two starts, so we’d guess he will come off the bench.
Then again, Anderson seems just good enough to break your heart.