The Arizona Cardinals’ midseason surge, which included a four-game winning streak and pushed them into playoff contention, seems to have unraveled just as swiftly. Their recent performance has taken a disappointing turn, marked by a sharp decline that leaves them struggling at the bottom of the NFC West standings.
The Cardinals had the opportunity to share the top position in their division with a win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, but they faced a significant setback, concluding the game with a 30-18 loss. This defeat now places them in a tie for last in the competitive division, having dropped three consecutive games, making their quest for a playoff berth—absent since 2021—more challenging than ever.
In the current division standings, the Seahawks lead at 8-5, followed closely by the Rams at 7-6. The Cardinals, positioned at 6-7, share their record with the 49ers. Complicating their playoff aspirations further, the Cardinals have now lost both of their matchups against the Seahawks this season, which would hand the tiebreaker to Seattle should it come to that. With only four games remaining in the season, the stakes are higher.
Reflecting on this downward spiral, second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged the team’s predicament. “We’ve put ourselves in a little bit of a hole now,” he remarked, stressing the importance of focusing on the upcoming opportunities, learning from their mistakes, and maintaining a productive week of practice.
The Cardinals’ loss to the Seahawks can be attributed to several factors, including two interceptions thrown by quarterback Kyler Murray, multiple holding penalties, a weak run defense, and a crucial missed field goal attempt. As a result, Arizona has found itself facing its poorest performance of the season at a critical juncture.
Despite their struggles, there were some moments of fight, particularly in the second half. Murray connected with James Conner for a 2-yard touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the score to 27-18. However, they missed a crucial chance to close the gap further when Chad Ryland’s 40-yard field goal hit the upright.
“I felt like we spotted them a lot of points but then we battled back,” Gannon spoke of the team’s effort. “I appreciate that and their determination.”
There is concern regarding Murray, who seems to be experiencing a downturn, having thrown interceptions in consecutive games for the first time in his career and contributing minimally to the run game with just 16 yards. His prior decision-making and efficiency have faltered, an aspect of his game that the team desperately needs to see return.
“I’m not trying to be Superman,” Murray stated, emphasizing the significance of playing within the confines of the offense as he has for most of the season. He recognizes that his two interceptions put the team in a difficult position.
Gannon noted Murray’s resilience, stating, “He made some big-time throws, but he needs to protect the ball better. This responsibility falls on all 11 players.”
On the defense side, Budda Baker stood out despite the team’s overall struggle. The All-Pro safety delivered an impressive performance, amassing 18 tackles, reinforcing his status as a team leader through relentless energy and determination, even in a challenging game.
However, it was a tough outing for left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., who faced scrutiny after receiving three holding penalties, with one declined by the Seahawks. While Johnson has adapted well to his move from right to left tackle, this match marked a regression in his performance.
In terms of health, the Cardinals are managing injuries relatively well. Defensive lineman Roy Lopez and punter Blake Gillikin left the game with ankle injuries, but neither condition appears to be serious.
As the season progresses, the key statistic remains clear: the Cardinals are on pace to miss the NFC West title for the ninth consecutive year, with their last division win occurring in 2015 under coach Bruce Arians.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals must treat each game as a must-win if they hope to secure a spot in the playoffs. Their next test will come on Sunday when they face off against the New England Patriots.
