Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride made history in a 37-14 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals, catching 10 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown to reach 119 receptions for the season. This surpassed Zach Ertz's NFL record of 116 catches by a tight end in 2018 and DeAndre Hopkins' franchise mark of 115 from 2020. Despite the personal milestone, McBride expressed frustration over the team's performance.
The Arizona Cardinals fell to a 37-14 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Week 17, extending their struggles to a 3-13 record. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett managed 212 passing yards, but the offense faltered on third downs, converting only 3 of 13 attempts while the Bengals succeeded on 10 of 15. The Cardinals gained just 42 rushing yards, contrasting sharply with Bengals running back Chase Brown's 101 yards and two touchdowns. Joe Burrow threw for 305 yards and two scores before resting in the fourth quarter.
Trey McBride stood out amid the defeat, securing his 119th catch of the season on a touchdown reception, breaking the NFL single-season record for tight ends previously held by Zach Ertz with 116 receptions in 2018. (One report mentioned Ertz's mark as 117 in 2017, but the consensus aligns with 116 in 2018.) McBride also eclipsed the Cardinals' franchise record of 115 catches set by DeAndre Hopkins in 2020. He has recorded at least five receptions in all but one game this season.
"It's really cool, and thankful for my teammates and coaches," McBride said. "It's cool to get it in 16 games too – I didn't want anyone to give me a hard time about that. But honestly, it doesn't really matter. I would've loved to have won the game."
Coach Jonathan Gannon highlighted execution issues: "You've got to earn the right to stay on the field. It's not rocket science. We just have to get out of our own way." Defensive lineman Calais Campbell emphasized personal accountability: "When you're on a team like this, you're playing to be an NFL football player. Teams want winners."
Michael Wilson contributed five catches for 89 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown. Injuries included safety Kitan Crawford's ankle issue and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.'s heel problem. The loss marked the Cardinals' eighth straight defeat to the Bengals.
