Barnes played 54 snaps on Sunday, the most since he filled in last year following White’s biceps tear.
“Going into the week, of course not knowing that I’m going to be playing, let alone playing majority of the game, I have a certain role that I try to maximize with my situation,” Barnes said. “I think I did a better job this year trying to stay ahead of what’s to come, because it’s a long season, and injuries happen. I never wish them on anybody, but they do happen.”
The fifth-year linebacker was a free agent in March, opting to return to the Cardinals on a one-year deal. It was an important signing that added a veteran depth piece that can also contribute on special teams. There was comfort in Barnes sliding in to play in place of the injured White on Sunday.
“He went in and ran the show,” Gannon said. “He can command the huddle, and that’s one of his roles as a backup. Knowing all the different things that we play, the front mechanics are a huge deal for the Mike (linebacker). He’s as smart as they come, so I didn’t bat an eye when he went in there.”
Barnes acknowledged the disappointment in the meeting room on Monday, believing “we kind of beat ourselves, and that’s the kind of message that’s going around.”
But there won’t be time to dwell on the outcome with the Chargers (3-2) coming to town.
“For us, it’s taking a hard look in the mirror, figure out what we can improve on (with) the little things, big things,” Barnes said. “We’ve got to do what we can to fix these little things, and I have faith that we have the right guys in this building to be able to make those adjustments and move on from this game.”
