If you’re asking did the AZ Cardinals win, you’re likely riding the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being a member of the "Bird Gang." It’s never simple with this team. Whether it’s a late-game field goal from Matt Prater or a chaotic scramble by Kyler Murray that somehow turns into a first down, being a Cardinals fan requires a specific kind of cardiovascular health.
The short answer depends entirely on which week of the 2025-2026 season we’re looking at, but let's be honest: the Arizona Cardinals have become one of the most unpredictable stories in the NFL. Under the leadership of Jonathan Gannon and General Manager Monti Ossenfort, the team has shifted from a "rebuilding" phase into something much more competitive, even if the win-loss column doesn't always reflect the grit they show on the grass at State Farm Stadium.
The state of the desert: Recent results
Winning in the NFL is hard. Winning in the NFC West is a nightmare.
The Cardinals recently faced a brutal stretch against divisional rivals. Fans weren't just asking did the AZ Cardinals win; they were asking if the defense could actually hold a lead in the fourth quarter. It’s been a mixed bag. For instance, in their recent clash against the San Francisco 49ers, the energy was electric, but the execution in the red zone was, frankly, a bit of a disaster. Kyler Murray has shown flashes of that MVP-caliber talent we saw a few years back, but the consistency still wavers.
You’ve got to look at the context of these games. A "loss" on the scoreboard sometimes feels like a "win" for the future when you see rookie stars like Marvin Harrison Jr. mossing veteran cornerbacks. But in the standings? A loss is a loss.
Why the score doesn't tell the whole story
Football is a game of inches, which is a cliché because it's true. Last Sunday, a single holding penalty negated a 40-yard touchdown run that would have flipped the script.
When people search for did the AZ Cardinals win, they often miss the nuance of the injury report. The Cardinals have been dealing with a revolving door on the offensive line. It’s tough to establish a run game when your starting left tackle is watching from the sidelines in a walking boot. James Conner is a beast, a total physical throwback who runs like he’s trying to break through a brick wall, but even he needs a hole to run through.
Breaking down the Kyler Murray factor
Love him or hate him, Kyler is the heartbeat of this franchise. He’s the reason people tune in. He’s also the reason some fans have gray hair before thirty.
His ability to escape a collapsing pocket is legendary. Seriously, watching him evade three 300-pound defensive linemen looks like a scene from a video game. But that playstyle comes with risks. We’ve seen him take hits that make the entire stadium gasp. When the Cardinals win, it’s usually because Kyler is playing "point guard" on the field, distributing the ball quickly and keeping the defense guessing.
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When they lose, it often comes down to a lack of rhythm. The "static" offense returns.
- Pressure rate: When Kyler is pressured on more than 35% of dropbacks, the win probability drops significantly.
- Deep ball accuracy: The connection with Harrison Jr. is the key to stretching defenses, which opens up the underneath routes for Trey McBride.
- Time of possession: The Cardinals struggle when their defense is on the field for 40 minutes. No matter how good Budda Baker plays, he can't be everywhere at once.
The defensive struggle and the Budda Baker impact
We have to talk about the defense. Jonathan Gannon was brought in as a defensive mastermind from Philly, but implementing that system takes personnel.
Budda Baker is the soul of that unit. The man is a heat-seeking missile. However, the secondary has been thin. Opposing quarterbacks have found success targeting the younger cornerbacks. If you’re checking the scores and seeing high-scoring losses, it’s usually because the pass rush didn't get home.
The Cardinals are currently middle-of-the-pack in sacks. Without consistent pressure, even an elite safety like Baker can only do so much to cover the gaps. They need the young guys—the draft picks from the last two seasons—to start winning their individual battles at the line of scrimmage.
What the analysts are saying
National media loves to overlook Arizona. They really do.
Guys like Adam Schefter or the crew over at The Athletic often focus on the big-market teams, but the local insiders like Darren Urban provide a much grittier look at what's happening in Tempe. The consensus? This team is "sneaky dangerous." They might not be favorites for the Super Bowl yet, but they are the team nobody wants to see on their schedule in December.
Why? Because they play hard. Gannon has instilled a "culture of competition" that was clearly lacking during the end of the Kliff Kingsbury era. There’s no more talk about "Call of Duty" distractions; it’s all about the tape.
The Marvin Harrison Jr. effect
Let's be real: Harrison Jr. changed the gravity of this offense.
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He draws double teams. He demands safety help over the top. Even in games where the box score says he only had four catches, his presence allowed Trey McBride to feast in the middle of the field. This is how the Cardinals win games in the modern NFL—by creating mismatches that defenders can't solve in real-time.
If you’re tracking did the AZ Cardinals win, keep an eye on his target share. If he’s getting double-digit targets, Arizona is likely controlling the tempo.
Betting lines and the "Underdog" mentality
Arizona has been a "cover machine" lately. Even when they don't win outright, they tend to beat the spread. Vegas keeps betting against them, and the Cardinals keep making it close.
- Check the injury report for the offensive line; it’s the biggest indicator of success.
- Watch the weather, though the roof is usually closed in Glendale, road games in places like Seattle or Philly change everything.
- Look at the turnover margin. The Cardinals are 4-1 this season when they are +1 or better in turnovers.
The reality of the NFL is that parity is king. On any given Sunday, a team with a mobile quarterback like Murray can beat anyone. Just ask the Cowboys fans who watched the Cardinals dismantle them earlier this cycle. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement.
Looking ahead: The path to the playoffs
Is it possible? Sorta.
The Cardinals have a tough remaining schedule. They have to travel to some cold-weather cities, which historically hasn't been their forte. However, the chemistry between Murray and his young receiving corps is growing week by week.
To keep winning, the Cardinals have to solve their third-down defense. They’re allowing too many conversions on 3rd and long. It’s heartbreaking to watch a defense play perfectly for two downs only to give up a 15-yard slant on 3rd and 12. Fix that, and the wins will start stacking up.
Strategic takeaways for the rest of the season
The coaching staff needs to stay aggressive. We saw a few games where Gannon took his foot off the gas with a lead, playing "prevent" defense that only served to prevent a victory. Fans want to see that "Big Red" energy for all sixty minutes.
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- Rushing attack: Feed James Conner. He is the tone-setter.
- Creative blitzing: If the front four can’t get there, Gannon has to manufacture pressure with linebackers.
- Kyler's legs: Use the designed run sparingly to keep him healthy, but use it when it counts—specifically in the red zone.
Actionable steps for Cardinals fans
Staying updated on the Cardinals requires more than just checking a score. If you want to really know what’s going on, follow these steps:
Track the Practice Report
The NFL releases official participation reports on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. If a key player is "DNP" (Did Not Participate) on a Thursday, it’s a massive red flag for the upcoming Sunday.
Listen to the Post-Game Pressers
Jonathan Gannon is surprisingly transparent. Instead of the usual coach-speak, he often points out specific schematic failures. Watching these will give you a better idea of why the team won or lost than any 30-second highlight reel on ESPN.
Watch the "All-22" Film
If you have NFL+, go back and watch the coaches' film. You’ll see that the Cardinals’ losses are often due to small, fixable mistakes—a missed block, a poorly timed route, or a defensive gap assignment. It’s rarely a lack of talent; it’s a lack of precision.
Join the Community
Whether it’s the Cardinals’ subreddit or local sports talk radio like Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, engaging with other fans helps contextualize the wins and losses. You’ll realize that the frustration you feel after a loss is shared by thousands of others in the Valley.
The Arizona Cardinals are a work in progress, but they are no longer a bottom-feeder. They are a team with an identity, a franchise quarterback, and a legitimate superstar wide receiver. Whether they won their last game or not, the trajectory is finally pointing up. Keep your eyes on the injury reports and the turnover battle; that’s where the real story of the season is being written.
Check the official NFL standings or the Cardinals' team site for the most up-to-the-minute score updates, especially on game days when the momentum shifts with every snap.