Gannon on Demercado's fumble: "I woke up this morning and didn't feel great."

Emari Demercado's critical fumble in the Cardinals' narrow loss to the Titans has sparked discussion about accountability and resilience within the Arizona team.

Why it matters: The Cardinals defeat to the Titans, marked by a pivotal moment from Demercado, underscores the fragility of their current season and highlights a critical moment for a team seeking stability under head coach Jonathan Gannon.

• The 22-21 loss was the third consecutive game for Arizona settled by last-minute field goals, amplifying the urgency for improvement as the team battles through adversity.

What’s new: Following the game, Gannon addressed both the incident and its emotional aftermath in team meetings.

• He expressed his disappointment not just in the situation but also in his initial reaction, indicating a need for better emotional management as a leader.

By the numbers: Demercado’s fumble came during what could have been a 72-yard touchdown run.

• Instead, the error shifted momentum entirely; the Titans capitalized, scoring 16 unanswered points and snapping their own ten-game losing streak.

Yes, but: Gannon has chosen not to discipline Demercado, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidence in players after mistakes.

• "Demercado would not face any punishment for his mistake," Gannon stated. This decision reflects a coaching philosophy centered on growth rather than punitive measures.

Between the lines: Gannon's admission of his emotional response reveals the complexities of coaching at high-stakes moments.

• His acknowledgment of letting the moment affect him indicates a commitment to self-improvement that he hopes will resonate with the players.

What to watch: As the Cardinals look to bounce back, the focus will shift towards their ability to manage critical game situations moving forward.

• With an upcoming schedule that includes several competitive matchups, how they respond to this setback will be telling of their resilience.

The bottom line: For the Cardinals, the path forward is clear: they must learn from costly mistakes while fostering a supportive environment where players can grow without fear of harsh repercussions.

• The outcome against the Titans serves as both a wake-up call and a critical learning opportunity for a team navigating the challenges of the NFL season.