The Arizona Cardinals capped off their 2024 season with an emphatic victory over the San Francisco 49ers, triumphing 47-24 at State Farm Stadium, Glendale. While the playoffs were out of reach, this win marked not just the last game of the regular season, but also showcased the Cardinals' potential and determination to finish strong.
Kyler Murray was undoubtedly the star of the show, throwing four touchdown passes—an impressive feat for the young quarterback as he showcased his growth over the season. Murray's performance was complemented by the rising star of Marvin Harrison Jr., whose improved play throughout the season culminated in this pivotal matchup. The receiver's ability to make key plays contributed significantly to the Cardinals' success on offense.
Trey McBride also had a standout season, finishing strong with multiple catches and consistently finding space on the field. His performance was instrumental for the team, and his career year piques interest about his potential for future seasons.
Defensively, the Cardinals were equally impressive. They forced three turnovers, showing resilience and tenacity against the 49ers. This was not just any win; the Cardinals entered this game knowing they needed to sweep the season series against their division rival, and they delivered convincingly on their home turf.
Reflecting on the game, Arizona Cardinals commentators remarked, "Sweep the season series. Send the fans home happy. That's what the Cardinals accomplished..." This sentiment captures the emotional payoff of their effort, giving fans something to celebrate post-season.
Despite the absence of playoff aspirations, the morale boost from this win is invaluable. The team's ability to put together such a dominant performance against the 49ers, particularly after what has been a challenging season, suggests positive momentum heading toward the offseason.
Certainly, questions loom about the Cardinals' future. The offseason will be pivotal, with discussions already circulating about potential personnel changes, including the future of veterans like Kelvin Beachum. There's also the buzz surrounding offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who is reportedly being considered for the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears.
The Cardinals’ coaching staff will need to evaluate their roster closely to build on the positives observed during the last game. With players like Murray, Harrison Jr., and McBride leading the charge, the team looks poised to make necessary adjustments to return stronger next season.
This decisive victory against the 49ers serves as both a consolation prize and a beacon of hope for the Cardinals. With fans witnessing glimpses of brilliance, the franchise can dream of what could be moving forward. The energy from this game could very well propel them as they brace themselves for the challenges of the offseason, eager to rebuild and refocus their efforts for the next season.
All said and done, the Cardinals displayed their potential for greatness, leaving fans eager to see where the offseason will take them. The palpable excitement following this triumph could be just what they need to revitalize their franchise heading toward future competitions.