The 2024 season will reflect positively on tight end Trey McBride, highlight the potential of Marvin Harrison Jr., and acknowledge the effort put forth by the Cardinals’ defense. However, it is essential to note that the team remained just shy of being classified as competitive.
In a disappointing game on Saturday, the Cardinals (7-9) fell short against the Los Angeles Rams, losing 13-9. Arizona nearly converted on a late-game touchdown, but a pass from Kyler Murray ricocheted off McBride’s helmet, leading to an interception by LA’s Ahkello Witherspoon, who managed to secure the ball just before it hit the ground.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon expressed his thoughts following the game, acknowledging the team’s potential to compete but emphasizing that victories are what truly matter. “I need to improve my coaching, but I recognize the players are putting in solid efforts,” he commented.
Despite their postseason elimination, the Cardinals exhibited resilience against the Rams. Murray completed 33 passes out of 48 attempts, amassing 321 yards and a touchdown, though he also threw two interceptions. McBride had an impressive outing, leading the team with 12 receptions for 123 yards, marking his first touchdown catch of the season. Harrison contributed significantly with six catches for 96 yards.
“I prefer to remain optimistic,” Murray said. “There’s a glimmer of hope. We are just a few plays away from securing 10 wins or playoff contention and possibly clinching the division.”
On the defensive front, Arizona held the Rams to a total of 257 yards, reflecting solid performance throughout the game. However, the loss marked the team’s fifth defeat in six games, a steep decline after starting the season 6-4. Gannon remarked on the team’s proximity to success, noting that while it is challenging to endure these setbacks, progress is expected in due time.
There were encouraging signs during the game, particularly with the synergy between Murray and Harrison improving. Gannon had previously urged Harrison to adopt a more assertive approach against defenders, which resonated well in his play. “Players often underestimate the physicality that comes with the transition from college to the professional league,” said Murray. “He’s bound to become a significant contributor.”
However, Murray’s performance has dimmed recently; following an impressive initial season, he has now thrown seven interceptions over the last five games. Although some of these interceptions occurred during high-pressure situations, it is a trend that cannot be overlooked.
On a brighter note, McBride has reached the milestone of three 100-yard games this season. Displaying reliable hands and the determination to gain additional yards, he has gathered a total of 1,081 receiving yards this year. This feat places him among a select group of tight ends, becoming only the second in franchise history to surpass 1,000 yards, a mark previously set by Hall of Famer Jackie Smith in 1967. McBride’s 104 catches also place him among only ten tight ends in NFL history to achieve over 100 catches in a single season.
In contrast, the Cardinals’ special teams faced difficulties when Los Angeles blocked an extra point attempt in the third quarter, which proved to be a costly mistake. Had they only trailed by three points at the end, they would have been able to opt for a tying field goal.
In terms of injuries, running back James Conner attempted to play through a knee injury but managed a mere four rushing yards against the Rams. His availability for the final game of the season remains in question. Inactive players included linebacker Joey Blount (ribs) and cornerback Elijah Jones (ankle).
A noteworthy statistic from the season is Harrison’s 822 receiving yards, placing him third among rookies in franchise history, trailing only Anquan Boldin and Frank Sanders.
The Cardinals are set to conclude their season with a home matchup on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, who also find themselves out of playoff contention.
