As Budda Baker made tackle after tackle, slightly limping off at one point, then shown on the broadcast Sunday getting something done to his lower body – extra ankle tape maybe? – I kept thinking of Hard Knocks in-season.

You know the clip, the one that was used as a commercial but that happened in 2022 before the show was actually on each week. The one where Baker – coincidentally wearing black uniforms like the Cardinals did during Sunday's loss to the Seahawks – passionately and emotionally tells his teammates he was tired of losing.

That was a much different team in 2022. I would guess the reaction wasn't the same after Sunday's game. But Baker continues to do everything in his power to make it work.

Baker had a career-high 18 tackles, and he was again everywhere. The defense wasn't as good as it had been at home, but it was also put in some early binds after Kyler Murray's two interceptions.

Everybody had plays they wanted back in all three phases, linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. said. "I thought we were ready," cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting said.

But the Seahawks outplayed the Cardinals, and now they are in a difficult spot. And you wonder if Baker is going to end up making some kind of speech again at some point. You know the Pro Bowl safety – who likely will be a Pro Bowler again – is going to be a playmaker down the stretch.

The question will be if it will mean something in the big picture.

-- Usually, 100 yards from James Conner is a benchmark for success. But Conner had 90 yards rushing and another 32 (and a TD) on four catches, and the Cardinals lost for only the second time in seven games when Conner hits the century mark.

-- Rookie Isaiah Adams got his first start at right guard over Trystan Colon, and it looked like he played all the offensive snaps. (I'll check that Monday.) Slowly the Cardinals are trying to push for playoffs if they can while also prepping for the future.

-- Tight end Tip Reiman had the tough penalty game last week, this week it was left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., who was flagged three times for holding. It was a surprise. PJJ generally isn't that guy. One came on a fourth-and-1 Conner conversion at the Arizona 28 and instead forced a punt.

-- Ring of Honor member Carson Palmer, who had his share of success against the Seahawks, was on hand to crank the pregame siren. The good vibes did not translate.

-- Murray threw two interceptions in back-to-back games for the first time in his career.

-- Marvin Harrison Jr. was called for offensive pass interference in the second half but it was a good play – if he hadn't grabbed Seahawks defensive back Riq Woolen, Woolen looked like he had a good chance at a third Kyler pick and would've returned it for a touchdown.

-- Trey McBride had a slow start with only three targets and no catches until 5:20 was left in the third quarter. He finished with seven catches and 14 targets, and Murray tried to get him a touchdown at one point. The ball was incomplete.

-- McBride will tie his own franchise record for tight end catches in a season (81) with his first against the Patriots next week.

The margin for error is gone. Patriots are up next. That's all for tonight.