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The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2024 NFL season with a mixture of optimism and uncertainty, as they aimed to rebuild under new leadership. After parting ways with former head coach Kliff Kingsbury, the team hired Jonathan Gannon, who had previously served as defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. Gannon inherited a team in transition, with several key players either injured or in developmental stages. The Cardinals’ 2024 season was largely marked by growing pains, but also significant building blocks for the future.
2024 Season Recap:
The Cardinals’ 2024 campaign was one of struggle, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. With rookie quarterback Kyler Murray recovering from an ACL injury, the offense had to rely on backup quarterbacks early in the season. Despite flashes of talent from Murray after his return, the Cardinals’ offense failed to find consistent rhythm. Murray’s mobility was limited, and his chemistry with receivers took time to develop. The offensive line also faced challenges, with injuries and inconsistency affecting their performance. Running back James Conner showed promise when healthy, but the lack of balance in the offense was a constant issue.
Defensively, Gannon’s scheme began to take shape, although the unit faced its own set of struggles. The Cardinals lacked elite pass-rushers, and their secondary showed signs of improvement but remained vulnerable at times. However, standout performances from young players like linebacker Zaven Collins and cornerback Marco Wilson offered hope for the future. Arizona’s defense demonstrated potential, but its inconsistencies often led to struggles in close games.
In terms of team performance, the Cardinals finished the 2024 season with a disappointing record. While they showed occasional flashes of competitiveness, their inability to close out games was a key factor in their lack of success.
Way Forward in 2025:
Looking ahead to 2025, the Cardinals have several avenues to pursue for improvement. The most pressing need is to surround Kyler Murray with better offensive talent. This could come in the form of better protection from the offensive line, a more consistent run game, and bolstering the receiving corps. The return of key offensive players, coupled with a full offseason for Murray to recover fully, could help jump-start the offense.
On defense, while Gannon’s system is showing promise, the Cardinals need to invest in playmakers, especially in the pass-rush department. The 2025 draft offers an opportunity to bring in a top-tier edge rusher or a game-changing linebacker to elevate the defense. With the continued development of young players like Collins and Wilson, Arizona’s defense has the potential to become a much more formidable unit.
Overall, the 2025 season should be viewed as another step in the rebuilding process. The Cardinals have the foundational pieces in place, but success will ultimately depend on their ability to execute a more balanced, consistent game plan on both sides of the ball. Fans can expect some growing pains, but with patience and smart moves in the offseason, the Cardinals have the potential to build toward a more promising future.
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