As the NFL season winds down, the Arizona Cardinals seem to be in full collapse mode. Their playoff hopes are dwindling, and with the Patriots looming on the horizon, it’s hard not to expect more chaos from the desert. Here are five things we fully anticipate will unfold for the Cardinals as they limp through the remainder of the season.
1. More Uninspired Play from Kyler Murray Kyler Murray’s struggles have been well-documented, but don’t expect any miracles. Despite his athletic ability, his decision-making and inconsistency have been glaring all season. With the Cardinals in freefall, it’s hard to imagine Murray suddenly leading a revival. Expect more unproductive drives, miscommunications with his receivers, and a complete lack of rhythm in the passing game.
2. Defensive Meltdowns The Cardinals’ defense, once a potential strength, has turned into a shell of itself. Injuries have ravaged the roster, and poor performances have become the norm. Don’t be surprised when opposing offenses have no trouble carving up Arizona’s defense. Whether it’s blown coverages, missed tackles, or inability to stop the run, the defense is primed for more disastrous performances.
3. Coaching Chaos The instability surrounding the coaching staff is impossible to ignore. While head coach Jonathan Gannon may be trying to build a foundation, his inexperience has shown. The team lacks direction and discipline, and there’s little sign of improvement. Expect more bizarre decisions on game day, and perhaps even an internal breakdown before the end of the season.
4. A Disjointed Offense Arizona’s offense has been a mess for most of the season, and it’s unlikely to improve with the injuries and uncertainty surrounding their playmakers. Outside of Murray’s sporadic flashes, there has been little consistency. With no standout running game, and a wide receiver corps that can’t seem to get on the same page, expect another lackluster performance from the offense.
5. Increased Talk of a Full Rebuild Finally, expect the off-field drama to intensify as rumors of a rebuild grow louder. With key players underperforming, and future stars potentially on the way, the front office may look to make significant changes. The rest of the season will likely be overshadowed by speculation about player trades, coaching changes, and overall direction.
As the Cardinals finish the season in shambles, the Patriots, with their own issues, will look to capitalize on yet another embarrassing chapter in Arizona’s disastrous campaign. It’s shaping up to be a forgettable end for the Cardinals, and an opportunity for New England to assert some dominance.
