Outlook for the Arizona Cardinals
By: Jake Rajala
The Arizona Cardinals are the most complex team in the league. They have a Top-15 quarterback in Kyler Murray. Yet, they haven’t had a winning record since 2021. Well, the Cards did still show progress last season by having an 8-9 record. With that said, I’m going to take a unique angle and unfold the best and worst case for the AZ Cardinals.
Best
The Cardinals no longer play in the days when AJ Green has no awareness in the end zone. They also no longer have J.J. Watt (who may have enjoyed the weather too much). I love their first round pick Walter Nolen. He was the second-highest graded DT in the class. I also love Marvin Harrison Jr, who could take that next step into being a Top-10 WR. He nicely recorded 8 TDs last season. The Cards are also superb in pass protection, as they ranked 5th in sacks allowed a season ago.
I could see the Cardinals best record being 11-6.
Worst
Despite their losing record, it’s hard to pick on the Cards. They were 16th in PPG allowed and 11th in points scored. I have to say: the health of Murray will largely dictate their season outcome. He only played in eight games in 2023, 11 games in 2022, and 14 games in 2021. The Cardinals were 15th in sacks last season. I’d love to see an improvement, given they play in the brutal NFC West division.
I could see the Cardinals worst record being 4-13.
The Cardinals no longer have Kurt Warner, but they still have a leader in Murray. They also have an impressive RB-WR combo with James Conner and Marvin Harrison Jr. On defense, I’d love to see more sacks. Thankfully, they recognized that and added Josh Sweat (8 sacks last season). I would like to see them ink Stephon Gilmore or acquire Jalen Ramsey.
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