Arizona Cardinals and moral victories

The Arizona Cardinals lost to the Chiefs 26-14 this past Sunday. While the important stat in all of that is another Arizona loss, fans found some “moral” victories this weekend

For starters, the Cardinals defense held the potent Kansas City Chiefs offense to their lowest score of the season, 26 points. On the Chiefs first drive, it appeared Arizona was going to get walked on. They gave up two 30-yard receptions to speedster Tyreek Hill, and the secondary seemed confused as to who was covering who.

After that point, the team allowed only two plays of 20+ yards to the team that leads the league in that category. Mahomes was held under 300 yards passing for only the second time this season, and was held to a season low 249 yards through the air. His two touchdowns was the lowest since week five against Jacksonville.

The Defense impressed against the leagues best offensive show. Travis Kelce was held to 46 yards, the fewest since week one against the Chargers. Kareem Hunt was held under 100 total yards. It’s been noted in weeks past that the Cardinals Defense has started to develop into the same team we have seen in years past. It makes one wonder, if this Offense were at least competent, how could this season fare?

While we may have found some moral victories to hang our hat on, is that legitimate?

No.

With the amount of turnover year to year in the NFL, gaining momentum at the end of a losing season, or finding a “moral victory” with your team means very little the following season. The Cardinals head man said it the same, “There are no moral victories in this game”.

The team could win out and go 9-7 to end their season. It would not change the fact that this team needs more than moral victories. The same issues persist year in and year out. Lack of quality Offensive Line starters and depth. They lack a number two cornerback opposite of Patrick Peterson and have not been able to find someone opposite of Larry Fitzgerald since Michael Floyd broke out in 2015.

Fans have seen the same thing for years. A talented roster on paper that cannot put it together on the field. A first round draft pick that winds up not performing or is drafted way before he should have been. And a GM who evaluates, or pays the wrong people.

For fans, the time for moral victories is gone. It’s time for some real wins.