The Arizona Cardinals have experienced a rollercoaster of a season, showcasing moments that suggest they could be among the top teams in the NFL, while equally demonstrating times when they appear to be one of the worst. This inconsistency has resulted in a 2-4 record thus far.
In the last two weeks, the Cardinals have exemplified their unpredictable nature. After a thrilling comeback victory against the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers with a score of 24-23, they faced a harsh defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, losing 34-13 the following Sunday. The game at Lambeau Field was particularly tough for Arizona, with the team committing three turnovers, racking up 13 penalties, and witnessing a visibly frustrated quarterback. Remarkably, the Cardinals have not managed to win consecutive games since 2021.
Quarterback Kyler Murray emphasized the need for consistency, stating, “To be a good team, you have to be consistent. We just got to look in the mirror. I don’t know if you feel like you did something because you beat the 49ers last week. I don’t know what it is, but that can’t happen.” As the team prepares to face the Los Angeles Chargers next Monday night, many are left wondering which version of the Cardinals will come forward. Jonathan Gannon, in his second year as head coach, noted that while reviewing the game footage, he found that the effort level from the team was not an issue.
“We’re going to be violent, we’re going to play fast and physical,” Gannon mentioned, stressing the need for cleaner play moving forward. The Packers jumped to a commanding 24-0 lead early in the game and maintained control from that point on, yet Gannon remains optimistic about a swift recovery for the team. “It’s very clear why we lost the game. We did some good things in that game, too. But there are things that if we continue to do, we’re not going to win,” he contended.
On a positive note, Murray has shown solid performance, completing 22 out of 32 passes for 214 yards along with one touchdown, despite a fumble. His quarterback rating places him eighth in the league, ranking just behind C.J. Stroud and ahead of notable players like Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield.
However, the defense faced challenges against Green Bay’s Jordan Love, as they struggled to create pressure, allowing him ample time to throw for four touchdown passes. With only 11 sacks this season, the Cardinals find themselves positioned 24th in the NFL. “We have to do a better job of affecting the quarterback and that starts with me,” Gannon acknowledged.
In terms of individual performances, tight end Trey McBride stood out with a season-high eight catches for 96 yards, solidifying his role as a key target, particularly if Marvin Harrison Jr. has to be sidelined due to a concussion. Conversely, the Cardinals’ discipline seems to have faltered; after showcasing disciplined play in previous games with a league-low 19 penalties through the first five games, the Cardinals were penalized 13 times for a total of 100 yards in their sixth game. Gannon expressed frustration over pre-snap penalties, stating, “Those are non-negotiables for us, uncharacteristic of us, so that’s why we have to look at why those things happened and do a better job there.”
Injuries have also marred the team’s roster, with several players exiting the recent game. Fortunately, Gannon is hopeful that these injuries will not lead to long-term setbacks. Key players such as Harrison, LB Kyzir White, DL Bilal Nichols, G Evan Brown, and CB Sean Murphy-Bunting are among those dealing with various ailments.
Historically, December 5, 2021, marks the last occasion the Cardinals secured back-to-back victories, and since then, their record has sadly plummeted to 11 wins and 34 losses. Looking ahead, the Cardinals will benefit from an extra day of rest and recovery as they gear up to host the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, October 21.
