Trey McBride made history during the Arizona Cardinals’ Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on December 28, 2024, as he surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving milestone for the first time in his professional career. With this achievement, McBride became just the second tight end in franchise history to reach 1,000 receiving yards, joining Hall of Famer Jackie Smith, who had 1,205 yards back in 1967.
McBride reached the pivotal mark with his third catch of the night, totaling 46 yards on the play. His incredible season continued as he had 104 receptions, placing him fifth among all Cardinals players for the most catches in a single season, surpassing the record previously held by franchise great Larry Fitzgerald.
But this night wasn’t just about yardage—McBride also celebrated another significant achievement: his first touchdown reception of the season. The tight end found the end zone on a 1-yard catch early in the third quarter. It marked the end of what had been labeled as the NFL's largest total of receptions without a touchdown, which he had held previously at 98 catches.
During the game, McBride tied his career-high with 12 receptions for 123 yards, showcasing his reliability and skill on the field. Despite his strong performance, the Cardinals fell short against the Rams, losing 13-9 as Kyler Murray's late pass deflected off McBride's helmet and resulted in an interception. It was a frustrating end for the team, as they had high hopes of capitalizing on their stellar offensive performances.
Murray reflected on the tough loss, comparing it to similar heartbreaking conclusions from prior seasons. “I can think of a couple of games where we drove all the way down and felt for sure we were going to win the game,” he admitted. This sentiment highlights the frustration the team felt, especially after such extraordinary individual performances from McBride.
Head Coach Jonathan Gannon praised McBride's contributions, stating, "He made a lot of plays. I thought he had some great catch and runs." The coach's confidence in McBride points to the tight end's growing importance to the Cardinals' game plan.
Throughout his career, McBride has shown exceptional talent and determination. Having previously set the record for the most receptions without scoring, the added milestone of finally crossing the threshold for touchdowns signifies not just personal redemption but also suggests his importance moving forward for the Cardinals’ offensive strategy.
Murray, who has been instrumental to McBride’s development, echoed similar sentiments. “I continue to say I think he's the best,” he stated, expressing confidence and pride in his teammate. His acknowledgment speaks to McBride's hard work and ability to perform when it counts most.
Unfortunately, the loss to the Rams means the Cardinals, who were once competing for divisional supremacy at 6-4, are now mired with four defeats in five games, ensuring their third consecutive losing season. Although McBride continues to shine individually, the team struggles reflect the need for adjustments moving forward.
McBride's achievements this season have not gone unnoticed and indicate he is likely to demand significant attention during the offseason, perhaps leading to a lucrative contract. "He really is, and when the ball goes to him, he makes a bunch of plays," Gannon said, signifying the tight end's value to the franchise.
McBride's historic season culminates with impressive statistics: 104 receptions, 1,081 receiving yards, and finally, the relief of scoring. The tight end's performance shows the highest standards he has set for himself and raises expectations for future seasons.
Looking back at this season, McBride has become more than just merely another player on the roster; he is firmly establishing himself as one of the premier tight ends not just for the Cardinals but also across the league. The upcoming offseason will be pivotal for McBride as he looks to build on this success and consistently impact the Cardinals’ future.
Moving forward, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if McBride can maintain his remarkable performance, expecting bigger things to come from this promising talent.