ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The facts: Arizona blew a 17-3 lead in suffering a 27-23 defeat at Carolina in Week 8.

The upside: Even the worst defeats tend to feature a bright spot or two ...

• Kurt Warner continued to play at an MVP level. His lone interception proved costly, but running back J.J. Arrington didn't hear the play correctly. Warner picked apart one of the NFL's better secondaries.
  
• Anquan Boldin eased fears that his recent facial injuries might limit him. Boldin played most of the receiver snaps, coming off the field only periodically, and he caught two touchdown passes. His 30-yard run was another highlight.
• Larry Fitzgerald proved impossible to defend -- again. He repeatedly made tough catches. Is there a better receiver in the NFL right now?
• Third receiver Steve Breaston continued to make clutch catches. He twice had 21-yard receptions on second-and-10 plays.
• Linebacker Karlos Dansby had nine tackles, two for losses. His sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery set up a 5-yard Cardinals touchdown drive.
• Coach Ken Whisenhunt continued to show faith in his team. You can question the wisdom of a fake field goal on fourth-and-15, but you can't accuse Whisenhunt of playing not to lose.
• The offensive line provided mostly solid pass protection even though the Cardinals made little attempt to establish a running game.
• The Rams also lost, assuring the Cardinals sole possession of first place in the division even if they lose at St. Louis in Week 9.

I'll have a Cardinals personnel report after a bit. They used three or more receivers about 75 percent of the time against the Panthers, a very high number under any circumstances.