“Injuries open the door for Krys Barnes to lead the defense”

Barnes played 54 snaps Sunday, the most since coming off the bench last year after White tore his biceps.

“Obviously at the start of the week I don’t know that I’m going to play, let alone that I’m going to play most of the game. I have a specific role that I’m trying to maximize with my situation,” Barnes said. “I think I did a better job this year trying to stay ahead of the future because it’s a long season and injuries happen. I don’t wish them on anyone, but they happen.”

The fifth-year linebacker was a free agent in March and elected to return to the Cardinals on a one-year deal. It was an important addition that gave the player an experienced personality that can also contribute on special teams. It was comforting to see Barnes come on 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 jobs as a backup. Knowing all the different things we play, the front mechanics are a big deal for Mike (linebacker). He’s as smart as they come, so I did it.” I didn’t sleep a wink when he walked in there.

Acknowledging the disappointment in the boardroom on Monday, Barnes believed: “We’ve kind of beaten ourselves and that’s the kind of message that’s going around.”

But we won’t have time to ponder the outcome as the Chargers (3-2) are in town.

“For us, it’s taking a hard look in the mirror and figuring out what we can do better with the little things, the big things,” Barnes said. “We have to do what we can to fix these little things and I believe we have the right people in this building to make those adjustments and put this game behind us.”