The highlight of the game was Larry Fitzgerald's catch, his first of the afternoon and 1,282nd of his career, giving him the most receptions with one franchise in NFL history.
As beloved as the wide receiver is, that was a problem Sunday at State Farm Stadium. The reception came with a little more than five minutes to go in the third quarter of a disappointing 17-3 loss to the Detroit Lions, and couldn't mask the offensive troubles the Cardinals cannot seem to escape.
It wasn't the record Fitzgerald was feeling when it was over. "My mind," the veteran said, "is not there."
"I am just frustrated with the way things turned out," Fitzgerald said. "We did some good things offensively. We moved the ball, threw it around for some yards, more than we have all season. That is something positive, but we have to be able to muster up more than three points."
Indeed, the Lions (5-8) backed off enough by the end of the game that the Cardinals (3-10) – unable to build off the previous week's upset win in Green Bay – still finished with 218 net yards passing, second best this season, and 279 total yards, which, in this offensively challenged season, was still their fourth-best game of the year.
That's not what the scoreboard showed.
The Cardinals had a new offensive line yet again, starting newcomer Joe Barksdale at right tackle. With Christian Kirk on injured reserve and Chad Williams sitting inactive again, Fitzgerald's receiving cohorts were two undrafted rookies and a mostly absent J.J. Nelson (four catches all season).
Rookie quarterback Josh Rosen could have a better supporting cast. But he was mostly unable to generate much until late – unless one counts the interception Lions cornerback Darius Slay returned 67 yards for the game's first touchdown.
"I missed some pretty big opportunities," Rosen said. "A lot of guys get hung up on the stats in the first half, but there were two or three plays there that I missed that would've moved the sticks and gotten all the guys you want to see get your carries, all your guys you want to see (get their) catches.
"Sometimes, when you go three-and-out early, it's hard to get into any kind of rhythm."
Fitzgerald, who Rosen said was "doubled pretty aggressively" much of the game, finished with five receptions but the four post-record came with the Lions backing off. Running back David Johnson was targeted 10 times and made eight catches – for a mere 12 yards.
"I know I definitely could have made a couple more guys miss on tackling, but it was just a rough one," said Johnson, who had 49 yards rushing on 15 attempts.
The Cardinals had 126 yards – and 114 of their net passing yards – in the fourth quarter. Rosen finished 26-of-41 for 240 yards.
The Cardinals allowed only 101 yards passing to Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. They held the Lions to less than four yards a carry. But two sequences did in the Cards. One was the Slay interception, in which the Pro Bowl cornerback said he "baited" Rosen – which Rosen noted as well – into a turning-point score while the Lions nursed a 3-0 lead.
The other was after the Cardinals – stalling at the Detroit 4 and forced to kick a fourth-quarter field goal to pull within 10-3 – allowed the Lions a 75-yard drive in which seven plays were runs and the eighth was a 25-yard pass interference call on safety Budda Baker.
The way the Cardinals' offense had been functioning, that was the ballgame, despite being the one real divot in the team's defensive performance.
"We're a team," defensive tackle Corey Peters said. "Whenever one side struggles, we've got to try and pick each other up, and I was a really disappointed with the way we finished the game (on the Lions' TD drive.) We've got to do a better job to keep it a 10-3 game."
Three games remain, including a cross-country trip this week to Atlanta before games against the playoff-bound Rams and (probably) Seahawks. Finding more than three points weekly will be imperative.
The players might enjoy watching Fitzgerald's catch the day after, with an ability to give props to their headed-for-the-Hall-of-Fame teammate. Otherwise, when the offense re-watches the video, it won't carry with it a whole lot of enjoyment.
"It'll be a frustrating Monday," Rosen said, "but a Monday that needs to happen."
Images from the Week 14 matchup at State Farm Stadium
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2018, file photo, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) scrambles against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of NFL football game, in Glendale, Ariz. The Buffalo Bills (4-9) prepare to host the Detroit Lions (5-8) in a non-conference meeting of two teams under-going transitions. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) is hit by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (36) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) is hit by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) can't make the catch against the Detroit Lions during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Lions won 17-3.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Zane Gonzalez (5) kicks a field goal against the Detroit Lions as punter Andy Lee holds during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tre Boston defends during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes his 1,282nd career catch to surpass NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most receptions with one team in NFL history during the second half of an NFL football game as Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) defends, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals defensive back David Amerson defends during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) runs as Arizona Cardinals defensive end Benson Mayowa (91) makes the tackle during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals RB David Johnson is short of the pylon
Detroit Lions strong safety Quandre Diggs (28) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (29) during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) intercepts a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trent Sherfield (16) during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. Slay ran the catch back for a touchdown.
WR Larry Fitzgerald with his catch to move him past Jerry Rice for most all-time receptions for a single team
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) is hit by Arizona Cardinals free safety Antoine Bethea (41) as linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) pursues during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks. left, greets Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Lions won 17-3.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) is knocked out of bounds by Detroit Lions defensive back Mike Ford (38) on a punt return during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Cameron Malveaux (94) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals K Zane Gonzalez nails the field goal in the fourth quarter against the Lions
RB Chase Edmonds on the carry
Cardinals DE Cameron Malveaux sacks Lions QB Matthew Stafford
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) reacts to a dropped pass during the second half of NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Lions won 17-3.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes his 1,282nd career catch to surpass NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most receptions with one team in NFL history during the second half of an NFL football game as Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) defends, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws under pressure from Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson (14) pulls in a pass as Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) defends during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trent Sherfield (16) can't make the catch against het Detroit Lions during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
WR Larry Fitzgerald holds onto the ball after his catch to move him past Jerry Rice for most all-time receptions for a single team
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) runs as Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (36) makes the stop during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws against the Detroit Lions during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson reacts after a punt return
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) is hit by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) for an incomplete pass during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson is hit by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Jarrad Davis, left, during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals head coach Steve Walks watches from the sideline
Arizona Cardinals kicker Zane Gonzalez (5) misses a field goal attempt as Detroit Lions defensive back Mike Ford (38) defends during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is hit by Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (90) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick is hit by Arizona Cardinals free safety Antoine Bethea, rear, and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick, center, during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) runs as Arizona Cardinals defensive end Cameron Malveaux defends during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) tries to elude Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Moore (56) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half of NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) scrambles against the Detroit Lions during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford looks to throw against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Bruce Ellington (12) is hit by Arizona Cardinals free safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Game action between the Cardinals and Lions at State Farm Stadium
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson wears personalized cleats prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trent Sherfield wears personalized cleats prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and quarterback Josh Rosen (3) talk it over prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks greets his players prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) greets fans prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Mike Glennon wears cleats in support of ALS research prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald wears cleats honoring the late U.S. Sen. John McCain prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals center Mason Cole (64) wears personalized cleats prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
