After a resounding loss to the Chiefs on Saturday, HC Jonathan Gannon addressed the surge in penalties called against the Cardinals.
In contrast to the four penalties committed the previous weekend, the Cardinals were flagged a total of eight times against the Chiefs.
These penalties resulted in a total of 82 yards, playing a pivotal role in their 38-10 loss.
As for the reason, Jonathan Gannon attributed the penalties to a ‘lack of technique’ rather than a lack of focus.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon says the rise in penalties was due to a "lack of technique" more than undisciplined football.
The Cards were flagged 8 times for 82 yards. #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/RnApZma5Go
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) August 20, 2023
One of these penalties negated an Arizona touchdown early in the 4th quarter.
What initially appeared to be a one-yard touchdown pass to Andre Baccellia, turned into negative yards due to an illegal crackback call on the Cardinals.
So, instead of a touchdown, the Cards found themselves facing a 2nd & 16 situation, which eventually led to a turnover on downs.
During the previous season, the Cardinals topped the NFL in penalties, with a total of 118 called against them, resulting in 916 yards. In 2021, they were also near the top, with a substantial 114 penalties committed (4th worst).
Now, with a new head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator in place, there’s a prevailing expectation that this trend will be reversed in 2023.
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