KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Before a question was asked, Steve Wilks made it clear.
"There are no moral victories in this game," the Cardinals coach said, after his team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 26-14, Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.
He isn't wrong. The Cardinals sacked Patrick Mahomes five times and held the Chiefs to more than 10 points less than their season average. They ran the ball and got David Johnson involved. They had the ball down six points in the fourth quarter with a recipe to move the ball – only to have rookie Josh Rosen's attempted screen pass intercepted, all but undercutting upset hopes.
But it wasn't enough, and that's all that seeped from the locker room after.
"That's not what we're here for. We're not paid for moral victories," safety Antoine Bethea said. "We're paid to get 'W's."
The improbable battle had been promised all week. Cornerback Patrick Peterson reminded everyone the game still had to be played despite a giant point-spread. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald – who went catchless in the first half before getting six for 50 yards in the second half to surpass Terrell Owens with the second-most receiving yards in NFL history – talked about how the Cards had no pressure on themselves.
The Cardinals (2-7) got an early win with the coin flip, the first time all season the Chiefs (9-1) didn't win the flip. But the Cards deferred, and it only took two Mahomes bombs to Tyreek Hill – one of 38 yards, one of 37 – to score a touchdown less than a minute into the game.
Wilks said Peterson needed better technique on the first Hill catch, and the second needed a safety overlapping on the coverage. Nevertheless, "we responded after that," Wilks said.
The five sacks on Mahomes -- two from Chandler Jones and one each from Benson Mayowa, Rodney Gunter and Josh Bynes – were three more than any other game Mahomes has played in his brief career. Mahomes had two TD passes to set the Chiefs franchise record for touchdown throws in a season (31 in just 10 games), but the Cardinals wouldn't go away.
The Chiefs had 330 yards, a season-low, in addition to a season-low in points.
"We were too inconsistent," defensive tackle Corey Peters said. "At times we were able to do what we were trying to do. At times, we gave up the big play, which was one of the keys that we had talked about to this game. We gave them too much, especially at the beginning of the game."
Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich fed Johnson early and often. Johnson had a season-high 98 yards rushing on 21 carries and another 85 yards on seven catches, as the Cards were able to grind out a pair of long touchdown drives.
But it was the one time Rosen couldn't get it to Johnson that ultimately doomed the Cardinals.
Rosen had just found Johnson on a 23-yard pass out to the Arizona 40-yard line with 12 minutes left, and the Arrowhead crowd had a collective nervous murmur. But Rosen tried to hit Johnson on a screen pass on the next play and linebacker Justin Houston made a leaping grab at the line of scrimmage for an interception.
"He made a great play," Rosen said. "But I shouldn't have let him be in position to make that play."
The Chiefs needed only four plays to go 31 yards for the game-clinching touchdown. After that, needing to throw every down, the broken-down offensive line collapsed. Guard Mike Iupati (back) was inactive, and guard Justin Pugh left the game after hurt his knee. Rosen was under pressure much of the game anyway, but the dam broke.
Rosen was sacked five times himself, and officially hit 13 times – and that doesn't include the pressures he faced otherwise.
"It's tough when the pocket is collapsing on you," Wilks said.
Rosen finished 22-of-49 for 209 yards, a touchdown pass to Johnson and two total interceptions. He was beat up ("I'm fine," he said) but had a chance to pull it out late. All of the Cardinals did.
Not that it really matters to them.
"Cam Newton said it a few years ago: Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser," Fitzgerald said. "You never 'handle' losses. That's not something you ever get used to. It's never something I'll allow myself to be accustomed to."
Images from the Week 10 matchup in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is hit by Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Corey Peters (98) after the throw, during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
The Kansas City Chiefs, left, lines up against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) escapes a tackle attempt by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) attempts to vault Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Orlando Scandrick (22) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks, center, consults his notes during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) runs past Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) after intercepting a throw by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen, during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks talk after their NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 26-14.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) runs away from a tackle-attempt by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown between Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Reggie Ragland (59) and defensive lineman Xavier Williams (98) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) fumbles the ball during a tackle by Arizona Cardinals safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. The ball rolled out of bounds.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) celebrates a touchdown with teammates offensive tackles D.J. Humphries (74) and Andre Smith (71) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks to throw as offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) blocks Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Allen Bailey (97) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
David Johnson celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) makes a catch against Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown past Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi (91) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Larry Fitzgerald with the 15-yard catch to surpass Terrell Owens for the second-most in NFL history.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for a touchdown away from Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Eric Murray (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Cardinals LB Deone Bucannon with the tackle
Cardinals QB Josh Rosen makes a pass
Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tre Boston (33) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Cardinals DE Chandler Jones with his second sack of the game
Arizona Cardinals tight end Ricky Seals-Jones (86) carries the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
RB David Johnson lunges ahead for the touchdown
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones (55) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald lays out for the catch
DE Chandler Jones with his first sack of the game
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates a touchdown pass to wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Ricky Seals-Jones, left, is pushed out of bounds by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker, right, during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
The Cardinals defense gets pressure on Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals with fans during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws a pass as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (55) closes in, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Members of the armed services hold flags before an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Arizona Cardinals, in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Markus Golden leads the pregame huddle at Arrowhead Stadium
Larry Fitzgerald wears gloves for Salute to Service
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen wears a Salute to Service jersey before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Tailgaters toss beanbags in the parking lot of Arrowhead Stadium before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Members of the armed services carry flags in a tunnel during rehearsals before an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Arizona Cardinals, in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
General view of Arrowhead Stadium before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
CB Brandon Williams arrives at the game.
TE Ricky Seals-Jones arrives for the game against the Chiefs
LB Zeke Turner arrives to the game against the Chiefs
RB David Johnson arrives for the game against the Chiefs
