A cross-country flight after a disappointing loss can be tedious and a bit uncomfortable.
But after the Cardinals' season-opening loss to the Bills in Buffalo, such a flight became meaningful, with the air time forcing the players to be present.
"We got to see the tape and talk to each other and brainstorm as a group what we've got do," defensive lineman Roy Lopez said. "Instead of doing it here in the building or instead of doing it with too much around us, we got to sit there -- not using our phones -- and talking as a group about our strengths and what we've got to improve on. 'Look at this play. This has to be done better. We need to be better.'"
The 34-28 loss was hard, given that the Cardinals held a 17-3 lead. The offense -- with only 80 post-halftime yards -- couldn't come up with a game-winning drive. Rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had only one catch.
But coach Jonathan Gannon was upbeat, both postgame and again Monday. He, like the players, spent the plane ride back analyzing the film twice with the coordinators before watching it again with the team when they returned to Tempe.
In the eyes of the Cardinals coach, "everything is correctable."
"We can improve from this game," Gannon said. "It's a learning experience. Yeah, we're disappointed but they're upbeat, ready to go to work."
The players recognize what needs to be improved, Lopez said. From a pass-rush perspective, it's no secret that Josh Allen poses a threat when he uses his legs. The Bills quarterback was able to rush for a pair of touchdowns and consistently extended plays that ended up hurting the Cardinals.
If there is a silver lining, the Cardinals were able to generate pressure that forced Allen out of the pocket.
"I thought we had enough opportunities, especially in known pass, to affect him," Gannon said. "I think we got to capitalize on more opportunities, whether that be a game, whether that be getting on the right person as a low cross or a check down or bringing them down or not fouling or a free runner and get them on the ground.
"Collectively, (we) got to coach and play a little bit better."
On both sides of the ball, there were flashes of what this team could potentially become in the future. Lopez had a strip-sack that was recovered by defensive lineman Justin Jones, a play that the Arizona native said was "pretty fun."
Offensively, Kyler Murray and the offense was humming throughout the first half. The team scored on their first three offensive possessions for the first time since 2006. There were also no pre-snap penalties against the offense.
When it comes to getting Harrison more involved, Gannon said the Bills ran a handful of schemes that forced Murray to find other targets.
It was only the first game of the season, and adjustments will be made as the team preps for a divisional matchup against the Rams. It's one of the reasons why Lopez believes the outcome won't linger in the locker room.
He heard that message on the plane, when captain Budda Baker got vocal somewhere over middle America.
"(Baker) believes in us so when you have belief from your leaders and guys like that, it makes you hungry," he said.
INJURY UPDATES
Gannon said right tackle Jonah Williams is still being evaluated for a right knee injury and will likely have an update later on in the week. Rookie cornerback Max Melton is in concussion protocol. Gannon added that wide receiver Xavier Weaver will return to practice.
