There is no team more confusing than the Arizona Cardinals.
It looked finished at Levi Stadium this Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers were up by 13 points and went into the fourth quarter leading by 10.
As Tom Brady mentioned on the broadcast, the Niners are “the class of the division.” The Cardinals had also lost four straight to the Niners. It truly could not have been more over.
And yet, somehow, Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals pulled off an improbable comeback. Part of it undoubtedly had to do with the fact that the 49ers have a pile of injuries. This predicament was only worsened by the loss of kicker Jake Moody.
But even so, the high-powered Shanahan offense sputtered in the second half. They turned the ball over three times and let the Cardinals back into the game. James Conner and Kyler Murray led an effective run-heavy attack reminiscent of some old 49ers games.
It was more than just that though.
The 49ers let the Cardinals back into the playoff race. It’s early, but the way that the NFC West stands right now, the Seattle Seahawks lead with a 3-2 record. However, San Francisco and Arizona are now tied in the standings at 2-3. Both teams are now in contention for an NFC Wildcard spot. Without a win today, the Cardinals would have fallen to 1-4, out of contention for the division crown and wildcard spot. A loss would have essentially left Arizona dead in the water.
Confusingly enough, this win comes on the back of a horrible loss to Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. This was a game that the Cardinals were favored to win, but instead, they were demolished 42-14.
Looking to the Future
So, what does all of this mean?
It’s unclear what type of team the Cardinals are going to be. They are toeing the line between playoff team and complete disappointment, with seemingly no in-between. Arizona, and by extension Kyler Murray, are at a major crossroads. They’re running out of time to rise to the occasion or will otherwise slip back into irrelevance.
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