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Arizona Cardinals grades heading into December

By Scott Allen

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the bench during the first half of the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the bench during the first half of the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

With just 5 game remaining in the 2019 season, the Arizona Cardinals have a lot to reflect on during their week 12 bye week

Having completed three months of football now, the Arizona Cardinals have made strides in some areas but continued to struggle in others.  They have reached their bye week prior to the home stretch in December.

The Cardinals have 5 games in December, the first 3 of which will be at home against the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns.  They then finish the season on the road at the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams. Their 2019 grades so far:

Offense

The offense has improved, despite it not looking like it at times.  Certainly quarterback Kyler Murray has been everything as advertised plus some.

He’s well on his way to Offensive Rookie of the Year.  He has thrown 14 touchdown passes and only 5 interceptions.

To only have 5 interceptions at this point is amazing.  He has had some luck along the way sure but his offensive line has held up.

They’ve had some injuries here and there but the offensive line has played and held up probably better than many expected them to this season after a couple of dismal seasons in 2017 and 2018.

The receiver room has been up and down.  Christian Kirk was injured but when he hasn’t been hurt, he’s been terrific.  Certainly a number one receiver in the near future.

Larry Fitzgerald has still been playing at the same high level he always has.  Murray has made an effort to get him the ball more this season.

The rookies are the question mark.  Andy Isabella is starting to come through and contribute.  KeeSean Johnson has been up and down.  We’ll have to wait until 2020 to see what Hakeem Butler can do.

The running game has been a surprise.  David Johnson has looked a step slower.  Some believe he doesn’t care but he does.  Chase Edmonds was doing well until he got hurt.

Then 3 weeks ago the Cardinals got a nice surprise in Kenyan Drake.  He has stepped up to be the guy Cardinals fans wanted Johnson to be this year.

Also, the Cardinals have not turned the ball over much as a team.  Just three fumbles so far this season, the first one not coming until 2 weeks ago against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Grade: B+

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