It was not the performance on the national stage the Cardinals wanted.
It wasn't a performance the Cardinals would want ever, anywhere.
"Definitely an embarrassing effort tonight," coach Steve Wilks said after his team was beaten up, 45-10, by the Broncos on "Thursday Night Football" at State Farm Stadium. "Our fans deserve more than that. We have to come out and perform better than that."
It was bad enough that Wilks knew the questions were coming about potential changes, and answered it before it was even asked – although he didn't name any names in particular.
"That's premature, to talk about changes right now," Wilks added. "Everybody is going to be evaluated across the board. As I said before, we have to find ways to get this going in the right direction.
"Not acceptable, and our fans deserve better."
Josh Rosen had his very first pass tipped and intercepted by Broncos linebacker Todd Davis, who returned it 20 yards for a touchdown. It never got any better. By the time the first half was over, the Broncos got a 28-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to Courtland Sutton and a 64-yard scoring bomb from quarterback Case Keenum to Sanders.
They also got a second pick-6, when Broncos cornerback Chris Harris had an interception come right to him -- receiver J.J. Nelson said he didn't see the safety jumping into his path, interrupting his route -- and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown. Denver got two sacks each from star pass rushers Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.
Rosen was sacked six times total and turned the ball over five times – three interceptions and two lost fumbles. He hurt his toe on his final play, a sack, but said he was fine.
"There's an old saying I got in college from one of my coaches," Rosen said. " 'Don't turn a car crash into a fatality.' Sometimes you have to just make the smart play, and I can't just toss it up there.
"I even got lucky on some of the fumbles that weren't fumbles. I've got to take care of the ball."
The Cardinals (1-6) trailed, 35-3, at halftime. It was their largest defeat at home since a 38-0 loss to Seattle in September of 2003.
"Embarrassed," tackle D.J. Humphries said. "I think everyone feels the same way I do right now. You're a grown man. Ain't nothing more embarrassing than going out in your home stadium and get your ass kicked by 30, or whatever the final score was."
Because of the early deficit, the Cardinals never did get a chance to see if they could run the ball better against what had been the worst rushing defense in the league. The Cardinals had 69 yards rushing as a team, as David Johnson was held to 39 yards on 14 carries.
The Broncos ran for 131 yards as a team, but it was the turnovers that made the game so lopsided. The Cards had few highlights – cornerback Patrick Peterson made a nice sideline interception, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald caught his first touchdown pass of the season – but mostly, it was frustration.
The Cardinals still haven't been able to reach 300 yards of offense in a game, and Johnson – while pleasant – didn't have any answers about the struggling offense.
"I don't know what to tell you," Johnson said.
Wilks too was seeking solutions to offensive problems that have lasted the season.
"Good question," Wilks said. "And we have to find the answers to it. Whether it's not getting movement up front, whether it's not protecting in the pass game, whether it's not being able to make the proper throws or the proper catches, it's a lot to go around."
Wilks, asked about how the season had impacted him, said he wasn't going to have a "pity party" for himself. Rosen, meanwhile, may only be a rookie, but he was remarkably resilient after the game. He said he thought, even as a rookie, he could lead the Cardinals out of their predicament.
"They drafted me to do it, so I'm going to try," Rosen said. "I think they've got my back and we'll try to go week-by-week and get one and try to stack them after that. You'd rather do that than give in. That's not in my blood, it's not in the blood of any of those guys in the locker room."
Images from the Week 7 matchup on "Thursday Night Football"
FILE - In this Oct. 18, 2018, file photo, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, in Glendale, Ariz. The San Francisco 49ers play at Arizona on Sunday. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) forces Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) to fumble during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. Miller recovered the ball.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches his team during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) hits Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) as he throws during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Broncos won 45-10.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores his 111th career touchdown, tying former NFL player Tony Gonzalez, as Denver Broncos defensive back Shamarko Thomas defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) scrambles as Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
DE Chandler Jones takes down Broncos QB Case Keenum for a sack
Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere (23) breaks up a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) hits Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) as he throws during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph, left, greets Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks after an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Broncos won 45-10.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) gets the throw off as Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) makes the hit during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback coach Byron Leftwich, left, greets head coach Steve WIlks prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals announced Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, that offensive coordinator Mike McCoy has been relieved of his duties and that Byron Leftwich will assume his position.
Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum (4) throws under pressure from Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores his 111th career touchdown, tying former NFL player Tony Gonzalez, as Denver Broncos defensive back Shamarko Thomas defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman (28) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere (23) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman (28) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Larry Fitzgerald with the catch
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks talks with side judge Alex Kemp (55) at halftime of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) his sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum gets the throw off as Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (36) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos defensive back Shamarko Thomas (38) tackles Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman (28) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) and linebacker Josh Bynes (57) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals QB Josh Rosen drops back to pass
Denver Broncos defensive back Jordan Moore (30) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) throws for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) makes a call against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals QB Josh Rosen looks for a target
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals K Phil Dawson nails a field goal
Breast Cancer survivor and country music artist Anita Cochran performs her tribute song "Fight Like a Girl" along with 150 cancer survivors and Cardinals Cheerleaders during halftime.
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The fans light up State Farm Stadium
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The flag us displayed during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis (51) celebrates his interception for a touchdown with free safety Justin Simmons during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Mike McCoy talks with Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph prior to an NFL football game , Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) hugs former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum (4) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Mike McCoy watches prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald hugs Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph prior to an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
A Arizona Cardinals fan tailgates prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals fan Tim Tekulve tailgates prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals fans tailgate prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals fans tailgate prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Cardinals cheerleaders before the game
FOX sideline reporter Erin Andrews before the game
WR Larry Fitzgerald catches up with former Cardinals QB and current NFL Network commentator Kurt Warner before the game
