Give the Arizona Cardinals a lot of credit in their Week 13 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Quarterback Kyler Murray found some game as his Cardinals won impressively 24-10. The Steel City resembled a scene from a monstrous summer monsoon. Something every Cardinals fan is well aware of as well as particularly fond. With two rain delays under their belt, Arizona found a second groove and another gear en route to their third win this season. Impressive? Yes. Improbable? Yes. An indicator of things to come. Well, not so fast.
To their credit, the Cardinals took advantage of the loss of Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett gave way to Mitch Trubisky, who looked shaky at best, which ironically is how “best” describes their playoff chances.
The Cardinals Offense Reigned Supreme in The Steel City
Pittsburgh let a golden opportunity wash away in the lengthy stoppage of play at Acrisure Stadium. The multiple halftimes of 30 and 53 minutes, respectively, either interrupted their rhythm or allowed the Cardinals to find one better. Upon returning to play, Arizona increased their 10-3 lead by another two touchdowns. The Steelers, with Trubisky under center, could only score seven points. The tough and physical nature of a Mike Tomlin team would go quietly after showing little over a game time nearly four-and-half hours long.
Murray showed a lot in his fourth start. His body language was that of a leader. The highlight of his Sunday, maybe of this season, was a 99-yard drive resulting in a touchdown pass to Trey McBride. It was an early dagger for the Steelers who could only watch the taillights of the team bus to Pittsburgh International Airport and a happy fight back to the desert.
For his part, Murray would throw 23 passes completing 13 of them for 145 yards and one touchdown. Most impressive was he also had zero interceptions on the day. The big winner however was running back James Conner. The University of Pittsburgh alum had 25 carries for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Not to be outdone was tight end Trey McBride. McBride had eight receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns as well.
James Conner is truly special.
🎥: @gmfb pic.twitter.com/ViI3wnOQYF
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 4, 2023
With a bye week coming up, the Cardinals team we saw in Pittsburgh yesterday has a chance to heal up bodies. They can clear their mind from the losses, the ineptitude, and overall poor performances that will outnumber the good ones from 2023.
Four Ways the Arizona Cardinals Found New Life in Pittsburgh
- The Cardinals had a professional look to them. A look that’s reminiscent of a team on a mission with one singular goal of winning.
- A stifling defense.
- A running and short passing game that worked to perfection.
- Kyler Murray looked like the Heisman Trophy winner Arizona drafted. He put it all together in Pittsburgh and looked every bit the QB1 he should be.
The Cardinals have a bye week and four games remaining. Week 15 has the division-leading and Super Bowl contender San Francisco 49ers. Arizona then goes on the road for back-to-back trips, against the Chicago Bears and then the Philadelphia Eagles. They wrap up the 20123 campaign at home against NFC West rival Seattle. For Murray to solidify all the warm and fuzzy feelings from their game against the Steelers, they need to find a win or two to close out the season. Anything less would bring too many questions into an offseason they would like to see some clarity in.
Main Photo: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
