5 Biggest Things Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur Said After Eye-Opening Cowboys Loss

ARIZONA — The Arizona Cardinals were throttled in 34-13 fashion against the Dallas Cowboys, a loss that — even with it being preseason — is sure to generate plenty of talking points entering their final week of preseason ball.

Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur met with reporters after the game. Here's the five biggest things he said:

Sloppy Play, Sloppy Results

"I told the guys I thought it was just a culmination of our week. We had a sloppy week of practice. I don't think we've practiced really well over the last week since Las Vegas. I think there have been individuals that have practiced well. I think there have been times where we've done some good things, but overall, it was not good enough. I thought tonight was a summary of that week in general.”

Where's Josh Sweat in His Recovery?

“This coming week? Yeah. Josh is doing good.

“We want all these guys, whether they're injured, they got injured a week ago or obviously in Sweat's case just getting them out there for that first time. We want all those guys back. Like I always say with the guys that are edge rushers, they rush the quarterback. It's a little different than the rhythm and timing of a quarterback and (wide) receiver—I’m just being real about it. It's one thing with rhythm, timing and working in combination with an offensive line. It's another thing when you know you are in that stance on third down and you're finding your point. (There is) no doubt in my mind (that if) you want to get better at football, you have to be out there in football. There is a little difference in my opinion. Not everyone would agree with me on that.”

Gardner Minshew's Interception Was 'Unfortunate'

“He kept the ball in play. I thought he did a good job. The interception was unfortunate because it wasn't a ‘PI’ (pass interference) either—it was a zoning backer with incidental contact on (WR) Simi (Fehoko). Simi almost kept his balance as he was taking a hitch to rip it to an open spot in the soft zone; I thought that would've been a first down on third-and-12. Even to get ourselves in that situation on third-and-17, use the hard count to get the five (yards) there. I said, ‘Hey, you're going to use that hard count. I'll give you a shot to get the first down here.’ That was one of his favorite plays going into it. I like where he ripped it (but) it was just unfortunate that he obviously fell there.”

Rising Camp Star Eku Leota

“I thought Eku did a good job tonight from what I saw. You just said it right there—there has been a lot of good stuff that we've seen throughout camp. I thought from my eyes—I have to go back and watch this tape obviously (but) I thought from my eyes (that) this was the most productive he was through the three preseason games. We'll go back and look at the tape to see if we can confirm that.”

Why Darius Robinson Suited Up

“Yeah, (there is) some good stuff to build on, and we just thought we needed to get a little bit more time with him in real football. That was the reason to get him out there.

“Just the complete package. Like I say with a lot of these guys, (it’s) ‘time on task, value received.’ You can get a lot done in practice, but sometimes the live bullets, not having a script and all that kind of stuff (helps players grow). There are a few guys on the defensive side that we want to get out there in that kind of heightened competitive environment and see what they can do. Not ruling out anything for next week either.”

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