Before 10 minutes elapsed on Sunday, the Cardinals found themselves down 17 points and injuries continued to disrupt their play in a 40-20 loss at the Houston Texans.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett was kept upright for the most part (two sacks) and had an efficient outing with 27 of 40 passing for 249 yards and three touchdowns to one interception. Though he had two second-half scores, Arizona couldn’t manage to get within 13 of Houston.
Tight end Trey McBride etched his name in the NFL record books again this season, now up to 16 straight games with at least five receptions for the longest such streak for TEs in league history. With 12 catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns, the fourth-year pro also reached 10 TDs on the season to become the first Cardinals player since Larry Fitzgerald (13) in 2013 to put up double-digit scores in a single season.
While the Cardinals became the second team to score 20 or more points amidst the Texans (9-5) six-game winning streak, its final two trips to the end zone came with the game out of reach at 30-7.
Arizona’s defense had rookie Walter Nolen III (three tackles, a pass defensed and a QB hit) back on the field for the first time in two games, but surrendered 40-plus points for the fourth time this year.
Immediately following the loss, the Cardinals (3-11) moved up two spots to No. 6 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft order.
Cardinals extend losing streak vs. Texans
Vince Marotta, co-host of Bickley & Marotta
NFL coaches, including Jonathan Gannon, were wearing sweatshirts on the sidelines Sunday that read “Inspire Change” across the chest.
You have to wonder if another blowout loss will inspire team owner Michael Bidwill to make changes after this season, which almost impossibly becomes more depressing by the week.
The Cardinals trailed 10-0 before they ran an offensive play and 17-0 after one quarter of football in a 40-20 loss to the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
It’s the fourth time this season that the Cardinals have surrendered 40 or more points to an opponent. They’re the only team in the NFL that’s done that. It’s also the first time in their Arizona history that they’ve let a foe go off for 40-plus in four different games.
Trey McBride and Michael Wilson continue to be the lone bright spots from week to week.
The issues that have plagued the Cardinals all season were very evident again. Missed tackles all over the field against the Texans, including Budda Baker and Garrett Williams whiffing on Nico Collins’ 57-yard touchdown catch and run just 49 seconds into the game. Special teams continues to lag behind.
The patchwork offensive line actually wasn’t bad; it protected Jacoby Brissett for the most part and did a passable job in run blocking.
But that’s how deep we need to dig to find positives. This season can’t end soon enough.
Dave Burns, co-host of Burns & Gambo
There just doesn’t appear much left to say about the 2025 Arizona Cardinals.
At this point, we know there will be changes for next season. Surely at quarterback and offensive coordinator. Perhaps it cuts deeper than that.
Forty-plus points allowed in four of the last six games only increases the odds that those changes might include the defensive-minded head coach. Whether that happens or not is the last remaining talking point for the rest of this miserable season. Personally, I hope they don’t. I like Jonathan Gannon’s demeanor but, admittedly, demeanor can only take you so far when you’ve won one game in three months.
One win in three months. Just typing it on the keyboard is hard to do.
Speaking of the offense, there was a little bit of fight on Sunday. The 20 points scored was actually tied for the third-most the Texans defense has allowed this year. It’s always nice to see Trey McBride and Michael Wilson contribute when their number is called.
The Cards have wasted a great McBride season, here’s hoping they don’t waste a great McBride career.
Tyler Drake, Cardinals reporter and co-host of Cardinals Corner
The Cardinals continue to go backwards. Despite having a defensive-minded head coach, Arizona has allowed at least 40 points in four of their past six games. That includes three against NFC West foes.
Not. Going. To. Cut. It.
It’s one thing for the Cardinals to lose close games and feel like they’re right there. It’s another to get absolutely ripped a part by offenses on what feels like a weekly basis at this point.
No part of me thought Jonathan Gannon was going anywhere this season eight weeks in, especially given the close losses early on.
Now? It’s hard not to think about the franchise moving in a different direction.
It’s not all on Gannon; injuries have greatly impacted the team this year. But how much of an excuse can you really make when other teams are dealing with the same issues and posting better records? The San Francisco 49ers come to mind off the jump.
With every 40 burger, a turnaround by this current regime seems that much more unlikely without some hefty changes.
Follow @AZSports
Hence then, the article about rapid reactions cardinals blitzed by texans as draft positioning improves was published today ( ) and is available on Arizona sports ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Rapid reactions: Cardinals blitzed by Texans as draft positioning improves )
Also on site :
- Pre-Gamin’: Bulls vs 76ers (6:30 PM CT) – Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More
- Man United vs Newcastle live: Ruben Amorim reveals new formation for Boxing Day battle in Premier League
- Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code MHS250BM: Claim New $250 Bonus for NBA Games This Weekend