Cardinals establish culture, confident of making playoffs next season

Although he knows a patient approach to the new regime makes sense, Kyler Murray still didn’t want to lose.

TEMPE, Ariz. — Despite an uptick in confidence in November and December, Jonathan Gannon will tell you the Arizona Cardinals’ four-win season wasn’t a successful one.

Although he knows a patient approach to the new regime makes sense, Kyler Murray still didn’t want to lose.

These views from perhaps the most important leaders in the franchise are good reasons for the Cardinals organization and fan base to be confident in the team’s ability to compete for a playoff spot next season.

A culture has been established.

“This team is one of my favorite teams I’ve ever been a part of,” Murray said after the Cardinals lost 21-20 to the Seahawks to end the season. “We never complained, we never pointed fingers, we never blamed each other. (We) came to work every day, fought for each other, worked hard, and on Sunday everything I kept putting it there.”

Murray, who returned midseason from a torn ACL, finished as the Cardinals’ leader in passing yards (1,799) and touchdowns (10) despite appearing in the same number of games as Josh Dobbs (eight).

He also boosted Trey McBride’s stock, helping the second-year tight end go from 31.9 receiving yards per game from Weeks 1 through Week 9 to 67.3 over his final eight games. Contributed.

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Rookie wide receiver Michael Wilson is expected to make similar strides as a sophomore. A third-round pick out of Stanford University, he finished the season on a high with six catches for 95 yards, except for a two-touchdown performance against San Francisco in Week 4. , had three or fewer receptions in nine of the other 11 games.

“That kid knows what he’s doing,” Murray said. “I understand that. I think next year is going to be a big year for Michael.”

Cardinals general manager Monty Ossenfort has announced that the current central He will be tasked with surrounding his players with more talent.

Murray was the first overall pick in the 2019 draft. He was drafted during the Kliff Kingsbury era, but Murray’s current coach said he will be the signal man next season no matter what.

“With that guy playing quarterback for us, I’m confident we can win every game,” Gannon said. “He knows he’s our franchise quarterback. He’s a great leader on this team, but he also knows he’s the closest thing to me.

“I want him to play a certain way, and he’s exceeded my expectations of what that’s like. I think he’ll only continue to get better.” I think.”

RELATED: Cardinals’ Gannon reiterates Murray’s status as franchise QB after win over Eagles

“It’s refreshing,” Murray said. “You just have people upstairs who believe in it and talk about it seriously and hold everyone accountable, and it trickles down.

“There’s a lot to look forward to. I’m excited about it and I know the players are excited about it. (We’re) looking forward to Monty and JG, what they’re starting to do here, We trust and believe in what we are building.”

“I did a 180. I’m happy. I’m happy with the position I’m in. I’m looking forward to next season.”

arizona sports

The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams. The NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, the MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, and the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes.

The Cardinals are home to Glendale’s State Farm Stadium, while the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and Mercury teams. The Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League play at the Desert He Arena in Glendale. The Coyotes will play at Mallett Arena on ASU’s Tempe campus.

Phoenix also has a soccer team, Phoenix Rising FC of the USL, which plays at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.

The Valley hosts several major sporting events each year, including college football’s Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl. The WM Phoenix Open is the most attended event on the PGA Tour. NASCAR events are held each spring and fall. This includes his November Championship Weekend. and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.