Kyler Murray's struggles continued as the Arizona Cardinals lost to the Los Angeles Rams 13-9, marking yet another disappointment for the team on Saturday night.
The Cardinals entered their Week 17 matchup with no playoff berth to play for, having already been ousted from contention after last week's overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. This week's game, held at Levi's Stadium, showcased both the potential and pitfalls of the Arizona offense and left fans wondering about the team's future.
While the Cardinals' defense stepped up, stifling Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and limiting running back Kyren Williams to just 56 yards and one touchdown, it was the offensive side of the ball where challenges reigned supreme.
Although they managed to hold the Rams to 257 total yards, the Arizona offense struggled to find its rhythm throughout the game. Murray completed 33 of 48 passes for 321 yards and one touchdown, but his two late-game interceptions proved costly. The first interception came on a heroic 40-yard throw on fourth down, which was picked off with just three minutes remaining. The second interception, which sealed the game for the Rams, was thrown right to cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon after bouncing off the helmet of tight end Trey McBride.
Despite Murray's struggles, he did manage to deliver the team's lone touchdown pass to McBride, who registered with 12 catches for 123 yards and his first receiving touchdown of 2024. Murray's performance, though commendable accounting for the yardage and completions, remained overshadowed by his inability to score effectively inside the opponent’s red zone.
Contributing to the offense’s woes, running back James Conner exited the game early due to a knee injury, limiting the team’s rushing options. Conner finished the game with just four carries for four yards. The Cardinals' offensive line also faced struggles, allowing Murray to be sacked multiple times, culminating in issues with field positioning and red zone efficiency.
Following the defeat, the Cardinals have now lost five of their last six games, prompting questions about the direction of the franchise as the season nears its conclusion. This game marked another missed opportunity and highlights the unpredictability of performance after their earlier promise of the season.
The Cardinals’ performance overall this season has been inconsistent. Early on, Murray showcased impressive statistics with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 12-3. Now, after returning from the bye week, he has thrown eight interceptions against just five touchdowns.
"I think today was about making plays when we needed them, and we couldn't quite get it done," said Murray, reflecting on the missed opportunities.
Turning to other aspects of the offense, rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. showed promise with six receptions and 96 yards, but even his efforts weren't enough to tip the scale. The first quarter was particularly painful for the Cardinals, ending scoreless and showcasing their struggles to manage the ball efficiently.
Arizona’s inability to convert third downs also hindered their momentum, finishing the game with just 46% success as they managed to connect on only six of their 13 attempts. Penalties continued to plague the Cardinals, with nine infractions adding up to 62 yards, which reiterated the team's struggles throughout the match.
Despite the defensive performance giving fans glimpses of hope, with key tackles from linebacker Kyzir White (who had eight tackles) and rookie cornerback Max Melton, it’s apparent the Cardinals are still reeling from their recent downturn.
With just one game left this season, the Cardinals will host the 49ers next week. Murray and the team will have one last opportunity to leave on a positive note and show their fans some brighter days are on the horizon.
For now, the immediate focus will squarely rest on rehabilitating both player performance and team strategy as they prepare for next season. While there are growing concerns about Murray's late-game decisions, fans remain hopeful for some much-needed improvements going forward.