The Arizona Cardinals’ 2023 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, and not the kind anyone enjoys. From high hopes to a disheartening collapse, the team’s struggles have left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Head coach Jonathan Gannon’s recent admission that the season’s failures are an “indictment on myself” is a rare moment of accountability in professional sports, but it also raises deeper questions about leadership, strategy, and the future of this franchise.
Let’s start with Gannon’s statement. It’s refreshing to see a coach take ownership of a team’s shortcomings. Too often, blame is deflected to players, injuries, or even bad luck. Gannon’s acknowledgment that the buck stops with him is a step in the right direction. However, accountability alone isn’t enough. The Cardinals’ issues run deeper than just coaching decisions.
Kyler Murray, the team’s star quarterback, has been a focal point of criticism. Once hailed as the future of the franchise, Murray’s performance this season has been inconsistent at best. Injuries have played a part, but there’s a growing sense that the Cardinals’ offensive system hasn’t fully utilized his talents. The Washington Post’s analysis of a “wasted season” for Murray hits the nail on the head. When a player of his caliber underperforms, it’s not just on him—it’s on the coaching staff and front office to put him in a position to succeed.
Then there’s the concept of momentum, or lack thereof. The Arizona Republic’s piece on how the Cardinals plan to engage momentum over the final two games feels almost too little, too late. Momentum isn’t something you can flip on like a switch; it’s built over time through consistent performance and a winning culture. The Cardinals have struggled to establish either this season, and that’s a systemic issue that goes beyond individual games.
On a brighter note, let’s take a moment to appreciate Chuba Hubbard’s recent recognition as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. While Hubbard plays for the Panthers, his success serves as a reminder of what can happen when talent meets opportunity. It’s a lesson the Cardinals would do well to learn from.
So, where do the Cardinals go from here? Gannon’s admission is a start, but it’s only the beginning. The team needs a comprehensive evaluation of its roster, coaching staff, and overall strategy. Murray’s development must be prioritized, and the front office needs to make smart, calculated moves in the offseason to address glaring weaknesses.
The Cardinals’ collapse is indeed an indictment—not just on Gannon, but on the entire organization. The good news? Indictments can lead to change. The question is whether the Cardinals have the vision and determination to turn this season’s failures into future success.
For now, all eyes are on the final two games. Will the Cardinals find a way to end the season on a high note, or will this be another chapter in a story of missed opportunities? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the road to redemption starts with accountability, and Gannon has taken the first step. The rest is up to the entire organization.
