The Cardinals achieved a significant milestone on Sunday, marking a turning point.
They have officially established themselves as a competitive football team.
Following a thrilling 28-27 victory against the Dolphins, the Cardinals have won back-to-back games for the first time since 2021. They now sit at a .500 record and are in contention for the NFC West title, showcasing newfound confidence as they enter a favorable stretch of their schedule.
This victory stands out due to the way it was achieved and the maturity displayed by the team. Despite James Conner being contained for most of the game, the Cardinals found an alternative way to succeed. Quarterback Kyler Murray delivered an elite performance, significantly enhancing a passing game that had previously struggled.
Murray demonstrated patience in the pocket and effectively managed his quick-twitch instincts to support developing plays. His efforts resulted in a strong connection with standout rookie Marvin Harrison, who made six catches out of seven targets, many of which were spectacular and crucial.
Although Conner had limited impact, the Cardinals featured two receivers who achieved over 100 yards. Playing in Miami, Harrison made his presence felt alongside emerging star Trey McBride, complementing each other flawlessly.
The Cardinals’ resilience was key to their win. They weathered the emotional challenge posed by the return of Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who initially had success against Arizona’s defense. Despite lacking a significant pass rush to challenge Tagovailoa and the Dolphins converting on third downs, the Cardinals continued to fight back, delivering hard hits whenever possible. Safety Budda Baker was particularly impactful, showing intensity not seen in years, and this determination ultimately paid off.
Trailing 27-18 in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals made their stand. Harrison executed a daring diving catch that was initially ruled incomplete. After scoring a touchdown, the Cardinals defense delivered a critical stop, applying pressure with well-timed blitzes. Murray then guided the team on a winning drive for the second week in a row.
The conclusion was both thrilling and inspiring. Kicker Chad Ryland was celebrated by his teammates after his crucial contributions. Earlier in the game, his 57-yard field goal salvaged three points from a challenging 2nd-and-30 situation. His last kick marked his third game-winning field goal since joining the team, wrapping up a drive that overcame a costly holding penalty.
This game showcased a football team that has embraced its rising rookie, evened its record, and achieved a significant triumph on the road.