The Arizona Cardinals have emerged as one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2024 NFL season. After years of mediocrity, the Cardinals find themselves perched atop the hyper-competitive NFC West halfway through the campaign. Head coach Drew Petzing’s innovative offensive scheme and the continued development of quarterback Kyler Murray have the Cardinals’ fanbase dreaming of a deep playoff run. However, questions persist about the legitimacy of Arizona’s contender status, especially with a suspect defense and a gauntlet of divisional games looming on the schedule.
The Kyler Murray Ascension
While Murray’s overall numbers may not jump off the page compared to his first few seasons, he is unquestionably playing the best football of his career in 2024. His pocket presence, accuracy, and decision-making have all taken significant steps forward. Most impressively, Murray has thrived despite playing behind a patchwork offensive line that has been decimated by injuries.
The connection between Murray and tight end Trey McBride has blossomed into one of the league’s most potent aerial combinations. McBride currently ranks in the top five among tight ends in receiving yards and has been Murray’s go-to target in critical situations. If 2023 first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. can become a more consistent contributor down the stretch, Arizona’s passing attack could be nearly unstoppable.
The Mad Scientist of the Desert
Petzing’s innovative offense, predicated on pre-snap motion, misdirection, and a punishing ground game, has been a revelation. Despite lacking household names, Arizona’s stable of running backs has gashed opponents thanks to a unique blocking scheme that consistently produces explosive plays.
It’s a chess match every time we face the Cardinals. They make you defend every blade of grass, both horizontally and vertically.
– Anonymous NFC West assistant coach
Petzing’s ability to keep defenses off balance and put his playmakers in advantageous positions is reminiscent of a young Kyle Shanahan. If the Cardinals can continue to dictate the terms of engagement and control the clock with their multi-faceted rushing attack, they will be a tough out come January.
Questions on Defense
For all of Arizona’s offensive fireworks, their defense remains a significant question mark. The Cardinals rank in the bottom third of the league in both yards and points allowed. A lack of a consistent pass rush has put immense pressure on a young and inexperienced secondary.
- The Cardinals rank 30th in the NFL in total defense (yards allowed)
- Arizona ranks 27th in defensive pass DVOA per Football Outsiders
- The Cardinals are allowing the 4th highest QB Rating against in the NFL
The hope is that Arizona’s offense can continue to light up the scoreboard and build early leads, allowing their defense to focus on stopping the run and forcing long down-and-distance situations. But one has to wonder if the Cardinals can string together enough stops to prevail in the playoffs against the likes of Brady, Mahomes, and Allen.
The NFC West Gauntlet
Perhaps the biggest obstacle standing between the Cardinals and a division crown is their remaining schedule. Arizona still has four games left against NFC West opponents, including two pivotal matchups with the defending champion Rams.
| OPPONENT | DATE |
| @ Seahawks | Week 12 |
| vs. Rams | Week 14 |
| @ 49ers | Week 16 |
| vs. Rams | Week 18 |
The road to the playoffs will be arduous, but if the Cardinals can emerge battle-tested from this divisional crucible, it could steel them for a deep postseason run. The experience of playing in high-stakes, pressure-packed games should be invaluable for Murray and the rest of Arizona’s young core.
The Quiet Trade Deadline
Despite glaring needs on the defensive side of the ball, Cardinals’ GM Marcus Johnson opted for a conservative approach at the trade deadline, making only minor depth acquisitions. While the lack of activity may have disappointed some fans hoping for a splashy move, it could prove to be a sage decision.
We have confidence in the men in our locker room. This is a tight-knit group that plays for each other. We didn’t feel the need to make a move just for the sake of making one.
– Cardinals GM Marcus Johnson
The Cardinals’ braintrust is betting on its young defense’s ability to coalesce and improve as the season progresses. Rookies like linebacker Lloyd Ingram have flashed tantalizing potential when given opportunities. If a few of these wildcards can hit, Arizona’s defense may round into form at just the right time.
Contenders or Pretenders?
Ultimately, the Cardinals find themselves in somewhat of an NFL purgatory – too good to be considered a plucky upstart, but perhaps not quite seasoned enough to be labeled a true contender. The answer likely lies somewhere in the middle.
If Murray ascends into the echelon of truly elite quarterbacks and the defense can make incremental strides, the Cardinals have the requisite talent to beat any team on any given Sunday. But to do it three or four times in a row against the cream of the NFC crop? That remains to be seen.
One thing is for certain – the Cardinals will be must-see TV down the stretch and into the playoffs. With an exciting, down-field passing game and the ultimate X-factor in Kyler Murray, Arizona has the potential to capture lightning in a bottle and embark on a magical playoff journey. Regardless of the end result, the 2024 season will be remembered as the year the Cardinals re-established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NFC. The contender label may not quite fit yet, but it appears to be only a matter of time.
