TEMPE, Ariz. — Kyler Murray, who was selected as the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was tasked with revitalizing a franchise that has struggled throughout most of its history, notably not winning an NFL championship since 1947. As the sixth season winds down, despite Murray’s decent performances, the Arizona Cardinals continue to grapple with the same issues.
After suffering a 36-30 overtime defeat against the Carolina Panthers, a team with a much lower win record, the Cardinals (7-8) saw their chances of making the playoffs vanish last Sunday. They started in a tough spot, trailing 20-3 early in the game, but mounted a comeback. Unfortunately, several missed opportunities in overtime ultimately led to their elimination from postseason contention.
“We didn’t take this team lightly at all, but it’s the NFL,” remarked Murray. “When you come out and get yourself in a hole like that, we fought back, had a shot at winning, and ultimately didn’t. That’s part of football.”
Over the course of Murray’s tenure with the Cardinals, the team has appeared in only one playoff game, which resulted in a heavy loss to the Rams back in 2021. Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler, holds a starting quarterback record of 35-44-1.
This season, expectations for the Cardinals weren’t particularly high. They have already secured three more wins than the previous season’s disappointing 4-13 finish, and a record hovering around .500 could be viewed as a positive step forward. However, it is evident that the last month represented a significant missed opportunity. After enjoying a 6-4 record due to a four-game winning streak, the team has stumbled, dropping four out of five games since their bye week.
“I understand they’re feeling down,” commented second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon. “That’s a genuine feeling. When we reflect, it’s clear we haven’t done enough. The responsibility starts with me. We either win or lose as a team, and everyone’s involvement has shaped where we are now.”
On a positive note, the emergence of the Cardinals’ offense was hindered significantly when running back James Conner exited the game due to a knee injury in the third quarter. Before his departure, Conner had registered 117 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, playing a significant role in the team’s near comeback. With a career-high of 1,090 yards this season, the 29-year-old running back remains a potent threat on the ground as he nears the age of 30.
However, the Cardinals seem to be stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. Though Gannon promotes a steady, professional mindset and has driven gradual improvement in his two seasons, it’s uncertain if he and Murray can work together effectively enough to shift the Cardinals into a position of consistent competitiveness.
In terms of player performance, newly acquired kicker Chad Ryland has proven to be an excellent addition after veteran kicker Matt Prater was sidelined due to a knee injury. Ryland made a significant 58-yard field goal to end regulation, providing Arizona with an opportunity in overtime. In his 11 games, he has successfully converted 25 field goals out of 29 attempts, potentially positioning him as the long-term solution for the team.
Conversely, Marvin Harrison Jr. had a lackluster performance recently, totaling just four catches for 39 yards. Although he had four more targets, he struggled to make pivotal plays when they were most needed. As the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s draft, his raw talent is evident, but doubts may linger about whether he can become the impact player the Cardinals anticipated. Gannon expressed a desire for Harrison to play more physically while generally praising his development throughout the year.
Injuries have also begun to stack up, with right tackle Jonah Williams (knee), linebacker Baron Browning (neck), and Conner all leaving the game against the Panthers. The Cardinals are anticipated to have an extended injury report as they prepare to face the Rams this weekend, with linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (concussion) and left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (knee) also missing the last matchup.
A notable statistic reveals that the Cardinals have only participated in one playoff game in the past nine seasons. Facing the Los Angeles Rams this Saturday, Arizona will seek to play for their pride against a team that has recently won four straight games.
