Josh Rosen is more advanced than most young quarterbacks, but Thursday night was a reminder that he's far from a finished product.
The adversity that hits all rookies rained down hard on Rosen against the Broncos, as the Cardinals' signal-caller turned the ball over five times in a 45-10 loss.
Rosen had the worst day of his young career, finishing 21-of-39 for 194 yards with a touchdown, three interceptions and two lost fumbles. He was sacked six times in the contest and finished with a quarterback rating of 44.2.
"I've got a lot to learn," Rosen said. "More to learn than I would have wished for."
Rosen's first turnover came on the second offensive snap, when Broncos linebacker Todd Davis plucked a deflected pass out of the air and returned it 20 yards for a score. Rosen threw a second pick-six in the first half, on a slant in which wideout J.J. Nelson altered from his route because a Denver safety got in his way.
Coach Steve Wilks said it was an "extremely tough" night for Rosen, "but that's the NFL for you. That's the growing pains of a rookie."
There were both physical and mental errors. The Cardinals used two timeouts in the first half due to a dwindling play clock and were flagged for a delay of game.
"We were inefficient and not doing the ordinary things," Rosen said.
Whatever the game plan was coming in, it had to be abandoned early as the Cardinals fell behind by 25 points within the first 16 minutes.
"What was it, the second play from scrimmage, the pick-six?" Rosen said. "That's not in anyone's game plan. … You definitely have to change it as time goes on when you're down a little bit."
The Cardinals became pass-heavy late, and the pressure became a serious issue. Rosen injured his toe on the offense's final snap but said he will be fine.
"I was just being soft," Rosen said.
Wilks said, in hindsight, he probably should have pulled Rosen late in the game to avoid all the hits. Rosen would have been unhappy to leave the field. While there were growing pains, he said it was better than not growing at all on the sideline.
"Football is a violent sport," Rosen said. "I'd definitely rather stay in there and see as many defenses as I possibly as I can as early in my career as I can. If (Wilks) tried to pull me out, we would have definitely had to have a conversation about that one."
SEALS-JONES INJURES FOREARM
Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones injured his forearm when diving for a fumble in the third quarter. He exited the game and didn't return, but said postgame that the arm was not broken. Seals-Jones finished with a pair of catches for 12 yards before leaving the contest.
Guard Justin Pugh was made active after testing his hand out before the game, but he did not play.
"We tried to go pregame and work him out and he just couldn't do it," Wilks said.
The Cardinals were also without their other starting guard, Mike Iupati. Daniel Munyer and John Wetzel filled in on the line.
GUNTER STARTS IN PLACE OF NKEMDICHE
Defensive tackle Rodney Gunter started the game in place of Robert Nkemdiche. Gunter's strength is stopping the run, an issue that has bothered the Cardinals all season. Gunter finished with three tackles, but Denver's running game still finished with 131 yards and two touchdowns.
"He did pretty good," Wilks said. "My evaluation of the players is to make sure I'm putting the guys out there who are going to give us the best opportunity. The guys aren't really performing from a consistency standpoint so that's the reason why Gunter was out there."
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
