The Arizona Cardinals embarked on an expansive rebuild process that was originally anticipated to last through 2025 or even into 2026, under the guidance of second-year general manager Monti Ossenfort. The intention was to create a solid team around their standout quarterback, Kyler Murray. However, a surprising three-game winning streak has accelerated the franchise’s progress and raised expectations.
In an impressive display of dominance, the Cardinals (5-4) achieved a decisive 29-9 victory against the Chicago Bears at home. They maintained control throughout the game, never falling behind, and showcased their ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage, effectively overpowering the Bears’ defense. This performance stood out as one of the finest moments in the career of head coach Jonathan Gannon so far. Currently, the Cardinals find themselves atop the NFC West standings, though they are closely followed by the last-place Seahawks, who are just a game behind.
“We take one day at a time, every second counts, maximize the day, keep blinders on and go about your business,” emphasized Gannon. “By consistently displaying winning behavior day in and day out, you enhance your chances of winning.”
The team’s recent spate of victories has prompted Ossenfort to be proactive ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring linebacker Baron Browning from Denver to strengthen their pass rush. Further adjustments could follow before the deadline arrives on Tuesday.
On Sunday, several lesser-known players contributed significantly to the Cardinals’ success. Emari Demercado delivered a standout performance, scoring a remarkable 53-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime. Additionally, young cornerbacks Garrett Williams and Max Melton managed to hold their own against some of the Bears’ formidable receivers, while linebacker Zaven Collins recorded two sacks, leading a defense that totaled six for the game.
The Cardinals excelled in their ground game once more, with key performances from James Conner, Demercado, and Trey Benson helping to amass 213 yards rushing. This scoring was unsurprising, as Arizona has maintained an average of approximately 150 rushing yards per game, positioning them seventh in the league.
“I think it’s just the way we come to work, the preparation, and the scheme,” said Conner. “When the offensive line plays like that, all we have to do is execute, and we can achieve success on the ground.”
However, there are aspects that require improvement. On Sunday, Murray managed just two completions to wide receivers, with the remainder of his 11 completions thrown to running backs or tight ends. While this strategy worked, there’s a clear desire to get star players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch more involved in the offense. Murray completed 13 of his 20 passes for 154 yards, but expressed disappointment over missed opportunities, referring to some plays as “layups.”
The connection between Murray and Harrison will be closely monitored as the season progresses. “When you don’t get that many chances and miss the ones you do, it can be quite frustrating,” remarked Murray. “But we will capitalize on our opportunities when we get them again.”
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis had a noteworthy day, celebrating the birth of his second child before guiding his defense to an outstanding performance. Despite dealing with numerous injuries, particularly within the defensive line, Rallis has kept the Cardinals’ defense competitive. Their pass rush had previously been inconsistent, but they managed to sack Bears’ quarterback Caleb Williams six times, a commendable feat given Williams’ agility.
“It was great this week because we engaged in some strategic planning on how to approach a talented player like Williams, who is difficult to defend,” commented Gannon. “They have skilled players, and I appreciate the plan that Rallis and the defense formulated to tackle the challenges presented by the Bears.”
On the downside, Harrison’s rookie season has experienced its ups and downs. The fourth overall pick recorded just two receptions for 34 yards, with one of those turning into a fumble shortly after a 21-yard gain. “That’s part of the game,” stated Murray. “He’s just getting started. Everyone makes mistakes such as fumbles or interceptions. That’s expected. He was trying to make a play, so I’m not overly concerned.”
Despite the hiccups, Harrison has shown promise, ranking second on the team with 445 receiving yards while leading with five touchdowns. The focus now is on building consistency in his performance.
In terms of injuries, the Cardinals emerged from Sunday’s game relatively unscathed. Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (neck) was sidelined, and the team is still anticipating defensive lineman Darius Robinson’s return from calf issues. Meanwhile, right tackle Jonah Williams is nearing a comeback after missing time since the season opener due to a knee injury.
To highlight their performance, the Cardinals have already surpassed their win total from the previous two seasons, securing five victories compared to the 4-13 record they posted in both years.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals aim to extend their winning streak to four games when they welcome the New York Jets (3-6), who recently clinched a victory against Houston.