Trey McBride made history Saturday night, becoming the 10th tight end in NFL history to record 100 receptions in a season, showcasing one of the best performances of his career for the Arizona Cardinals. However, an unfortunate turn of events prevented the Cardinals from staging a comeback against the Los Angeles Rams, who secured a 13-9 victory.
In the final minute, with a first-and-goal at the Rams’ 5-yard line, Kyler Murray’s pass deflected off McBride’s helmet in the end zone, allowing Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to make a fingertip interception. This pivotal play sealed the win for Los Angeles.
Murray reflected on the loss, drawing parallels to a similar defeat in 2021 against the Green Bay Packers. “I can think of a couple of games where we drove all the way down and felt like for sure we were going to win,” he said. “We were kind of having our way, and at the end, a lousy turn of events. We were unlucky.”
McBride tied his career high with 12 receptions, totaling 123 receiving yards, marking his second-highest yardage in a game. He also became the first tight end in franchise history to reach 100 receptions in a season. “He made a lot of plays. I thought he had some great catch-and-runs,” said head coach Jonathan Gannon.
McBride scored his first touchdown of the season on a 1-yard reception in the third quarter, bringing the score to 10-6. However, the Cardinals’ attempt to tie the game was complicated when Chad Ryland’s extra point was blocked by Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht. “It was a little leaky in the protection. Hoecht does a good job. We have to be a little better in technique there,” Gannon acknowledged.
Murray had targeted McBride twice in the end zone earlier in the drive before finally connecting, with one attempt nullified by a holding penalty. “I was glad to get him in the end zone. Wish we would have had another one,” said Murray, who completed 33 of 48 passes for 321 yards, along with one touchdown and two interceptions.
McBride has been a consistent performer, recording at least seven catches and 70 yards in five of his last six games. He now has 104 receptions for 1,081 yards this season, closing in on the NFL record for receptions by a tight end in a season, held by Philadelphia’s Zach Ertz with 116 in 2018. Kansas City’s Travis Kelce holds the yardage record with 1,416 yards in 2020.
In addition to McBride’s performance, Gannon and Murray were encouraged by rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., who tied his season high with six catches for 96 yards. “In your rookie year, you want to get better every week. The game has to slow down for him,” Murray said. “The reps are priceless. He is getting continuity with me and learning the nuances of the game.”
After starting the season 6-4 and leading the NFC West at the bye week, the Cardinals have now lost four of their last five games, ensuring their third consecutive losing season. “When we play our brand of ball, we can compete and beat anyone, but it doesn’t mean a lot right now,” Gannon said. “I know we’re close. We’re there, but we’re not there.”
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