Linebacker Krys Barnes, who was filling in for Wilson, was part of the stop on both plays.
“I’m just glad to be able to get in there because, to be honest, I’ve always wanted to be down there on the goal-line and have it on my shoulders,” Barnes said. “For all of us to be on the same page and go out there and fly around, I love balling with my boys, so at the end of the day that’s all that matters to me.”
Barnes credited his unit for assisting on the tackles. Defensive lineman Naquan Jones got in on the third-down stop, and White joined in to force the turnover.
After the stop, White knew the Cardinals had the Patriots right where they wanted them. “I feel like that’s deflating for an offense to get down there and you don’t score and get stopped on fourth-and-short,” he said.
With confidence oozing, the next possession featured a Sean Murphy-Bunting interception. “It’s about getting the ball back to our offense, and as much as we can do that, then I know we’ll be in great position,” the cornerback said.
Through three quarters, the Cardinals defense held the Patriots to three points. It’s a testament to players like Barnes, outside linebacker Baron Browning, and defensive lineman Darius Robinson for stepping up on Sunday. For the first time in his career, Robinson picked up a sack while Browning notched his first of the season.
The Cardinals will be waiting to hear the severity of Wilson and Luketa’s injuries. But if their stand during the quarter indicated anything, they’re ready for the challenge.
“We’re trying to make sure we don’t let our brothers down,” Barnes said. “It’s hard to see Jesse go down and to see Mack go down, or anybody in that sense. But I know that we have the guys in this locker room on offense, defense, and special teams, to where whoever is up next and it’s time to go, we’re ready for it.”
