Five Greatest Seasons in Arizona Cardinals History
By Jeremy Meek
1. The Cardinals won their only championship in 1947
Of course, the best season in team history is the one in which they won their only NFL Championship. It was a simpler time in the NFL, with just ten teams competing. However, it doesn’t make winning it all any less impressive, or satisfying for Cardinals supporters and players.
The so-called “Million Dollar Backfield” carried the 1947 Cardinals. Elmer Angsman, Charley Trippi, Pat Harder, and Paul Christman made up the dynamic foursome that carried the offense. Trippi would eventually make the Hall of Fame. The team ranked third in both points scored and points allowed, and finished with a 9-3 record.
In the championship game, the Cardinals would meet the Philadelphia Eagles, who would win the next two championship games. In the ’47 game, it was the then Chicago Cardinals who prevailed 28-21. Angsman rushed for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win. Not many current fans will remember the 1947 season, but it was as good as it gets, and ended in the franchise’s only championship, making it the best season in team history.