TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The flip side of rookie Cam Newton’s record performance is the bad afternoon for the Arizona Cardinals’ defense.
Coach Ken Whisenhunt criticized that defense, particularly the secondary, on Monday, implying that Cardinals’ errors, both in technique mistakes and in improper positioning, helped Newton amass 422 yards passing, tied for the most by a rookie in any game and a record for a rookie in a season opener.
But, Whisenhunt added, it’s a lot easier to fix mistakes after a victory, and the Cardinals did hold off the Carolina Panthers 28-21 on Sunday.