With 5:09 remaining in Seattle, and the Cardinals near midfield, Arizona tried a fake punt on a fourth and nine. Rookie wide receiver Michael Wilson was tackled four yards short of the first down. Like everything else this 2023 season, what the Cardinals tried failed to work. The Seahawks would kick a field goal on the ensuing set of downs, kick a field goal, and salt away a 20-10 win. Yes fans, the Cardinals have hit their ceiling this season.
Why the Cardinals Have Hit Their Ceiling
If you’re surprised, do not be. Jonathan Gannon showed his cards early for how he would attack 2023: shoot first, aim later. Now, with a season crumbling, his only hope is Kyler Murray and the hope that a porous offensive line doesn’t make things worse.
🎥 Hear from Head Coach Jonathan Gannon following tonight’s 20-10 loss against the Seahawks. pic.twitter.com/bXsIoxkvKh
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 23, 2023
A near win against Washington on the road, and an embarrassing loss against New York at home seemed promising. When they slayed the Dallas Cowboys, it seemed the Cardinals were on to something. They became curious. A team Kyle Shanahan said should have a better record than 1-2. Since facing his 49ers team in San Francisco, they’ve looked gassed against Cincinnati, the Rams, and Seattle.
How the Cardinals handle Murray and his needed return is anyone’s guess. To bring him back in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens seems a bad idea. The best scenario is to roll him out in Week 9 when Arizona plays the Cleveland Browns at State Farm Stadium.
What Lies Ahead?
Promise can turn to disaster at the drop of a dime. Last season in Denver, it looked as if the Broncos were a team on the rise. With Russell Wilson and new head coach Nathaniel Hackett, it looked as if championships would follow. After a 5-12 disaster, Hackett was gone right after Christmas. What seemed like a stroke of genius quickly went up in flames.
One year later, the struggles continue in the Mile High City. The Broncos are 2-5 with Sean Payton, and if it were not for a lousy AFC West, they would be out of it.
This brings us to the Cardinals, and a team going nowhere fast. No one knows what comes next with one win and Kyler Murray due back. Rumors persist that Marquise Brown will not be moved at the trade deadline. If Arizona stands pat with its current roster, what is the hope it turns around?
Will a Change at Quarterback Matter?
The plan in Arizona gets more complicated. Jonathan Gannon is not instilling a lot of confidence. While the defense is something to hang their collective hats on, the offense is not improving. They cannot score in the red zone or anywhere else on the field. The idea that Murray has any better luck is not likely. Quarterback Josh Dobbs is as mobile as they get, but if Murray can’t escape the pass rush and make something happen, wins will be no more plentiful.
Murray, Dobbs, and Clayton Tune are an intriguing depth chart. But if Murray can’t generate points, what does it matter who starts under center?
Coach Gannon won’t say it, but it is quite likely the Cardinals have hit their ceiling. Arizona fans may need to start realizing the same.
Main Photo: Syndication: Arizona Republic
