Associated Press

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Trey McBride became the 10th tight end in NFL history to reach 100 catches in a season and played one of the best games of his three-year career for the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night.

However, an unfortunate bounce prevented the Cardinals from picking up a victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night.

The Cardinals had first-and-goal at the 5 in the final minute, but Kyler Murray’s pass deflected off McBride’s helmet in the end zone. Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon made the interception with his fingertip, securing Los Angeles’ 13-9 win.

Murray compared the loss to a 2021 loss in Green Bay, where the Cardinals ran the field but Murray’s pass was intercepted in the end zone, allowing the Packers to eke out a 24-21 victory.

“I can remember a few games where we went all the way down and felt like we were going to win the game for sure,” Murray said. “Like the feeling like we were driving across the field. There’s nothing the defense can do with us. We somehow got our way and things ended up taking a (bad) turn. That’s what matters. We were unlucky.”

McBride had a career-high 12 catches and the 123 receiving yards were his second-highest total. He is the first tight end in franchise history to reach the century mark in receptions.

“He made a lot of plays. I thought he had great catch-and-runs,” coach Jonathan Gannon said.

McBride also reached the end zone for the first time this season on a 1-yard reception midway through the third quarter, bringing the Cardinals to 10-6.

However, Chad Ryland’s extra point was blocked by linebacker Michael Hoecht, which is why the Cardinals ended up having to go for a go-ahead touchdown instead of a game-winning field goal.

“The protection was a little leaky. Hoecht does a good job. “We have to get a little better technically,” said Gannon.

Murray tried to get to McBride in the end zone on two previous plays on this drive before they connected. The second period was ultimately ruined by a holding penalty against Hoecht, allowing the Cardinals to score first at 1-1.

“I think (offensive coordinator) Drew (Petzing) created this moment. I was happy to have him in the end zone. I wish we had another one,” said Murray, who completed 33 of 48 passes for 321 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

McBride has had at least seven catches and 70 yards in five of his last six. He has 104 receptions for 1,081 yards. The record for receptions by a tight end in a season is 116 by Philadelphia’s Zach Ertz in 2018. Kansas City’s Travis Kelce holds the yardage mark with 1,416 in 2020.

In addition to McBride, Gannon and Murray also felt encouraged by Marvin Harrison Jr.’s evening. The rookie, who was the fourth overall pick in April’s NFL draft, posted a season-high 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 repetitions are priceless. He maintains continuity with me and gets to know the finer points of the game. We can get to work in the offseason.”

After sitting at 6-4 and leading the NFC West heading into the bye week, the Cardinals have lost four of five games and are set for their third straight losing season.

“If we play our ball, we can compete and beat anyone, but that doesn’t mean much right now,” Gannon said. “I know we’re close. We are there, but we are not there.”

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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