Stats can be pretty deceiving in the NFL. If you just glance at the standings, the arizona cardinals record 2023 looks like a total disaster. They finished 4–13. On paper, that's a basement-dweller season, tied for the second-worst mark in the league and good for a last-place finish in the NFC West.
But if you actually watched the games? It felt different.
This was a "Year 0" for a franchise that had essentially detonated its previous identity. Out went Kliff Kingsbury and Steve Keim. In came Jonathan Gannon, a first-time head coach who brought a specific brand of high-energy, "fire-and-brimstone" coaching that many skeptics (myself included) weren't sure would play well in a pro locker room.
The reality is that Arizona was arguably the hardest-playing four-win team in recent memory. They weren't just losing; they were being competitive with a roster that, for most of the season, was held together by duct tape and undrafted free agents.
The Quarterback Carousel and Kyler’s Return
The biggest shadow over the season was Kyler Murray’s ACL recovery. Without their franchise signal-caller, the Cardinals turned to Joshua Dobbs, whom they basically traded for on a whim right before the season started.
Dobbs was a fun story for a minute. He led them to a shocking Week 3 upset over the Dallas Cowboys—a 28–16 win that absolutely blew up everyone’s survivor pools. But eventually, the talent gap caught up. After a dismal 0–27 shutout loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 9, the Dobbs experiment ended.
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Then came the return.
When Kyler Murray finally stepped back on the field in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, the energy in State Farm Stadium shifted. He wasn't perfect, but he was Kyler. He finished his 8-game stretch with 1,799 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. More importantly, he looked mobile. His 244 rushing yards and 3 scores on the ground proved that the knee was holding up. The Cardinals went 3–5 with Murray starting, which doesn't sound amazing until you realize they were 1–8 without him.
James Conner and the Trey McBride Breakout
If there was a heart and soul to this offense, it was James Conner. Honestly, the guy is a throwback. In an era where everyone wants a "lightning" back, Conner is pure thunder. Despite missing four games, he hit the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time in his career, finishing with 1,040 yards and 7 touchdowns. He averaged a career-high 5.0 yards per carry, often dragging three defenders with him for those extra two yards that keep drives alive.
Then there’s Trey McBride.
Early in the year, he was stuck behind Zach Ertz. But once Ertz went down (and eventually moved on), McBride became a superstar. He hauled in 81 catches for 825 yards. He broke the franchise record for receptions by a tight end in a single season. Watching him hurdle defenders and rumble through secondaries became the highlight of the second half of the season. He isn't just a "good for a rookie/sophomore" player; he's a top-tier NFL tight end.
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That Philadelphia Upset
You can't talk about the arizona cardinals record 2023 without mentioning Week 17. Jonathan Gannon returned to Philadelphia, the place where he was the defensive coordinator for a Super Bowl run just months prior. The Eagles were heavy favorites. The Cardinals were supposed to be "tanking" for a better draft pick.
Instead, Arizona played spoiler.
They erased a 15-point halftime deficit to win 35–31. James Conner made a ridiculous one-handed touchdown catch that showcased his sheer physical will. That win was the ultimate "culture" game. It proved that Gannon had his guys playing for him even when the playoffs were mathematically impossible. It also effectively ended Philly's hopes of winning their division.
Defensive Struggles and Silver Linings
Look, the defense was rough. They gave up 455 points (26.8 per game), which ranked 31st in the league. They couldn't stop the run, and they struggled to get consistent pressure outside of a few bright spots.
However, rookie Dante Stills (a sixth-round pick) showed he belonged in the trenches, and Jalen Thompson remained one of the most underrated safeties in football. Budda Baker, despite the trade rumors that swirled in the offseason, remained the emotional anchor of the unit, earning yet another Pro Bowl nod.
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What Most People Get Wrong About 2023
The biggest misconception is that the Cardinals were "bad." They were outmatched, sure. But they weren't dysfunctional.
Under the previous regime, the team felt like it was constantly on the verge of a sideline argument or a social media drama. In 2023, the vibes were... surprisingly good? Monti Ossenfort, the new GM, spent the year accumulating draft capital and clearing the books. He traded back, then up for Paris Johnson Jr., who played every single offensive snap as a rookie. That’s the kind of foundation-building that doesn't show up in a 4–13 record but matters immensely for 2024 and beyond.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're evaluating the Cardinals based on this season, stop looking at the win-loss column and start looking at the following markers of progress:
- Roster Depth: Keep an eye on the 2023 draft class. Paris Johnson Jr., Michael Wilson, and Garrett Williams all look like long-term starters.
- Offensive Identity: The Drew Petzing offense actually works. They finished 4th in the NFL in total rushing yards. That's a massive shift from the "Air Raid" days.
- Cap Space: By enduring a 4-win season, the front office cleared massive amounts of "dead money." They are now in a position to be aggressive in free agency.
- Draft Position: That 4–13 finish secured them the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 draft, which is a prime spot to snag a generational talent like Marvin Harrison Jr.
The 2023 season was a necessary reset. It was painful, it was long, and it featured some ugly losses (the Cleveland game comes to mind). But for the first time in years, the organization seems to have a singular vision. They aren't just trying to win "now"—they're trying to build something that doesn't fall apart the moment things get difficult.
Going forward, watch how they utilize their massive draft haul. The "record" was 4–13, but the "trajectory" is pointing up. Focus on the development of the young secondary and whether they can find a true pass-rushing threat to complement Gannon's scheme. The foundation is laid; now they just have to build the house.
To fully understand where this team is headed, you should compare the 2023 offensive success rate under Kyler Murray versus the first half of the season. The data shows a team that, when healthy, operated as a top-15 offense. That’s the baseline for next year. Look at the tape from the Steelers and Eagles wins—that is the blueprint for the future of Arizona football.