The Arizona Cardinals’ season might not be shining in the standings, but their mindset tells a different story. After a tough loss against the Rams, head coach Jonathan Gannon and quarterback Kyler Murray made their presence felt with bold statements.

Their words resonated as a challenge to a locker room determined to rise above setbacks. Gannon didn’t mince words in the post-game presser, acknowledging the sting of the loss but focusing on the positives. “We’re close, but we’re not there,” he said, striking a balance between critique and optimism. He praised the team’s effort. Yet he didn’t shy away from pointing to areas for improvement, emphasizing red-zone efficiency and play execution. “I was aggressive on the fourth and two,” Gannon said. “We got stopped. Good play by them. Wanted to try to keep the ball in our hands there for a little bit longer, but we got to do better in Red Zone.”

Gannon highlighted players like Marvin Harrison Jr., who stepped up. “Marv had some big-time plays, winning at the point of attack. I thought he played well,” he said, crediting the rookie for winning critical one-on-one battles. The statement set the tone for a locker room committed to growth. And Kyler Murray echoed Gannon’s sentiment with his trademark confidence,“[We] haven’t even scratched the surface of what we can be.” But what did actually transpire in the match?

The Cardinals faced a heartbreaking 9-13 loss to the Rams, sealed by Ahkello Witherspoon’s game-saving interception in the final seconds. Witherspoon’s diving catch came off a tipped pass from Kyler Murray, denying the Cardinals a late comeback. Murray, on the other hand, showed flashes of brilliance.

He threw for 321 yards and a touchdown, but also suffered two costly interceptions. While tight end Trey McBride continued his stellar season, catching 12 passes for 123 yards and his first touchdown of the year. Despite these efforts, Arizona’s offensive execution faltered at critical moments. On the other side, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was instrumental.

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He is still too small.when he is pressureed he panicks and makes some horrible decisions throwing the ball sometimes he...more

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Puka hauled in 10 receptions for 129 yards. Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford’s steady 189-yard performance ensured ball security, keeping Los Angeles in playoff contention. This defeat highlights recurring issues for Arizona, including missed opportunities and questionable play-calling. Well, like all other teams, the Cardinals had their share of injuries as well.

A rallying cry for the Cardinals

The coach’s comments came after an injury update that included James Conner’s limited return and Garrett Williams clearing concussion protocol. The coach began the presser by addressing the concern about Williams: “Garrett got checked for concussion protocol, but they cleared him.” When asked about updates on and whether he was planning to play James throughout the match, Gannon said, “Yeah, I was… I don’t know if he got twisted up on the fourth down… he just wasn’t right.” RB Conner was notably absent in the second half due to a knee injury. Conner had gained just 4 yards on 4 carries and was sidelined after halftime, leaving a noticeable gap in the Cardinals’ offense. Gannon also shared updates on Jesse Mack and Sean Murphy-Bunting.

Gannon explained, “Garrett got checked for concussion protocol, but they cleared him; he was back in. I think SMB had a foot or a toe late there. Mack might have had a lower leg nick, but he battled through and played.” Despite these challenges, Gannon praised his team’s effort, emphasizing their resilience and close competition. But Gannon’s message to the locker room wasn’t just about this game—it was about building something bigger.

“When we play our brand of ball, I think we can compete and beat anybody,” he insisted. This kind of talk inspires players to dig deeper, knowing their efforts matter even in tough times. Murray followed suit. The quarterback, reflecting on the game, said, “I felt like for sure we were going to win that game.” He also pointed to the passing game as a sign of progress.

The team posted nearly 400 yards, with Murray throwing for over 300 of them. While the points didn’t match the production, the chemistry was evident. “Drew [Petzing] did a great job putting it in their [our playmakers’] hands,” Murray added. As the season marches on, the focus remains on process over results. Gannon put it best: “We got to just keep working, head down.” His words might not fill the win column, but they’re building something potentially more lasting; a resilient identity.

Both Gannon and Murray acknowledged the frustration of a season that hasn’t gone their way but refused to dwell on the negatives. “I know I’m pissed off,” said Gannon. “And I chuckle about it, but that’s the game… We got to figure out how to generate a couple more points.” The Cardinals may not be there yet, but with leaders like Gannon and Murray steering the ship, they’re not far off.