The Arizona Cardinals wrapped up their 2023 season with a decisive 47-24 victory over the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium, securing an 8-9 record for the season and closing the chapter on what was both promising and disappointing at different turns.
After struggling late in the season, the Cardinals exhibited resilience against the 49ers, who were playing without starting quarterback Brock Purdy due to injury. Quarterback Kyler Murray led the team, throwing for four touchdown passes and tying his career high. He completed 25 of 35 passes for 242 yards, providing thrilling moments for the home crowd.
Murray, typically more introspective, took the opportunity to address his teammates before the game, delivering the message: "Time is not in infinite supply." This statement resonates as both he and head coach Jonathan Gannon face pressure going forward, especially with expectations steady for the upcoming 2024 season. The Cardinals' performance this season marked a notable improvement from last year, with four additional wins, but the ultimate aim – making the playoffs – was elusive once more.
Following their stunning start at 6-4, the Cardinals fizzled down the stretch, losing five of their last seven games, which saw them drop out of playoff contention. Reflecting on the season, Murray stated, "I feel like we’re on the right track. It just came down to — we’ve got to execute. What seems like a little game back in October means a lot. You let a couple slip and you look up at the end of the season, and you’re two games away." This insight encapsulates the sentiment of the season—a mixture of hope and missed opportunity.
Despite the setbacks, several players shone throughout the season. Tight end Trey McBride finished the day with seven catches for 65 yards and tied for the franchise record for catches by a rookie tight end at 111. McBride expressed both pride and humility after the game, saying, "Obviously I’m very proud of myself but I just needed a chance. Most important, I’m happy to be healthy." His growth highlights the potential within this Cardinals team for the future.
Another promising card for the future was rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who ended the season tying the franchise record for rookie touchdowns. His relationship with Murray is something both players are excited to build on moving forward. After their game, Murray noted, "That was kind of the focus for me personally once we got eliminated. Come out here and let’s get our rhythm as far as in the air. He’s only going to get...better."
Aside from individual standout performances, the team’s overall defense was not expected to perform as well as it did. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis managed to develop the defense to somewhat respectable efficiency throughout the year, even though they still need to shore up their defensive line moving forward. Looking at free agency, general manager Monti Ossenfort is expected to make changes to bolster the team's defense, which had been seen as a point of concern at the season's start.
While murmurs of next season’s strategies and objectives emerge, the focus remains on the upcoming offseason. The Cardinals hold the No. 16 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, offering them the chance to secure more talent.
Murray, who signed through 2028, is eager to continue building on the success of the previous year, saying, "I don’t want to ever get too far away from the game just because this is my life." His commitment, along with Gannon's support, shapes the optimistic outlook for the franchise. "He is a competitor and we’re going to go where he takes us," Gannon remarked, signifying his unwavering trust in Murray's abilities.
Heading off the field with thoughts of improvement and potential for the next season, the Arizona Cardinals have set the stage for 2025 as make-or-break. Both Murray and Gannon have the hard task of translating potential to performance, and as offseason plans develop, fans are left hopeful for upward progress.