This Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals face the San Francisco 49ers. What do the organization and the fanbase need to see in the final four games? It’s not that difficult.
The Arizona Cardinals appear to have formed a new base of operations. The Cardinals devised a game plan against the Pittsburgh Steelers that relied less on quarterback Kyler Murray and more on the weapons around him. In a game marred by two rain delays, the result was a 24-10 victory over the Steelers. A satisfying victory, but the Arizona Cardinals’ task with four games remaining is straightforward.
What the Arizona Cardinals Must Do With Four Games Left
With a Week 15 game versus San Francisco, it has become a game to be measured against. It’s an opportunity to observe where Murray is and if he’s capable of not being the offensive focal point every game. In addition, the Cardinals will assess if he is the proper quarterback for future Arizona teams.
Murray’s future with Arizona is far from certain, but these next four games are crucial. Granted, the Cardinals are unlikely to be favorites in San Francisco or the two away games that follow in Chicago and Philadelphia. However, defeating the Bears is not unreasonable, and they might easily upset the 6-7 Seahawks in the season finale.
The Cardinals will need big games from tight end Trey McBride this weekend and the next three. Marquise Brown, the wide receiver, and James Conner, the running back, both need huge games. Arizona has been solid defensively, but needing to pitch a shutout or keep the offense close will not enough. Arizona demonstrated its ability to score when it was needed against Pittsburgh.
McBride continues to demonstrate that he has the potential to be a great tight end, but youngster Michael Wilson needs to get back on the field. Wilson is a potential “go” for Arizona, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon, who says “he should be out there this week in some capacity…He’s doing well.”
What Kyler Murray Must Achieve
Murray is still a work in progress. He is under the blazing white lights of a media that is impressed one minute and perplexed the next. Despite this, Gannon is confident about the rest of the season after the game against the 49ers. “I think he’ll tell you that operationally (we have to) make sure we’re doing a good job in and out of the huddle, getting guys situated, getting us in the right checks and calls, and then playing at a high level, which he’s done.”
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Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon is encouraged by QB Kyler Murray’s steady development against a stout 49ers defense:
“I believe he’ll tell you that operationally (we must) ensure that we’re doing a good job in and out of the huddle, getting men set, getting us…
With San Francisco, being “in the game” may be the only way to win. Obviously, an upset of a club poised for a Super Bowl run would enrage the league and the media. Murray and company playing well would calm a crowd hoping for a big win. In the larger scheme of things, the Cardinals have little to worry about on defense. However, a repeat performance like the one in Pittsburgh would make the crowd pleased. It would also provide General Manager Monti Ossenfort with something new to consider.
