Key Takeaways

• In a 36-24 defeat at MetLife Stadium, the Cardinals faced a crucial goal-line situation with 22 seconds remaining, holding first-and-goal at the Giants’ four-yard line while trailing 30-24.
• Arizona chose Tyler Allgeier for the final sequence while Jacoby Brissett produced three straight incomplete passes before New York closed out the game on a pick-six, highlighting the offense’s red-zone and late-game execution issues.
• Love, who had accumulated 63 rushing yards on 14 carries earlier, was inactive for the decisive plays, prompting social-media scrutiny about the team’s final-drive personnel choices.
• LaFleur attributed the call to a two-minute emphasis, suggesting the back used on that drive needed to be a ‘third-down back’ and that protection considerations factored into not deploying Love in the passing game.
• The Cardinals’ first play had been a play-action pass incomplete to Michael Wilson, followed by a second-down run that was checked to a pass, also incomplete, as the Giants adjusted to the situation.
• Love appeared to be dealing with an ankle issue during the game, and he had missed time in the preseason due to a high-ankle sprain, though the team indicated he’d be evaluated further after the game.
• LaFleur indicated he would review Love’s status and availability the following day, leaving open the possibility of adjustments to the backfield usage based on health and game-plan needs.