The Arizona Cardinals (2–4) dropped their fourth consecutive game on Sunday, falling 31–27 to the Indianapolis Colts (5–1). Despite the defeat, the Cardinals’ offense finally showed signs of life. They posted a season-high 27 points against a Colts defense that had been allowing just 18 per game. This was one of the few times this season the offense appeared in rhythm. It was a sign of progress that still wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Photo Cred: PFF
The challenge for Arizona came under center, as franchise quarterback Kyler Murray missed the contest with a mid-foot sprain. Now in his seventh NFL season, Murray entered 2025 facing rising expectations from both fans and the organization. His tenure in Arizona has produced just one playoff appearance. It was a lopsided lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. With the team still seeking consistency in a competitive NFC West, the Cardinals remain winless in divisional.
Much of the team’s early-season inconsistency can be traced to offseason decisions. The Cardinals sought to add veteran leadership on offense. But it failed to land any long-term difference-makers, with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett standing out as the most notable addition. Meanwhile, the organization doubled down on defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, using all six of its selections to strengthen and re-identify the unit under head coach Jonathan Gannon. The strategy was sound in theory — build from the defense out — but through six weeks, the results have been mixed.
Entering the season, Arizona hoped to establish a balanced offense led by running back James Conner. They have a promising young receiving core highlighted by Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride. The vision was to create an attack that complemented the team’s defensive identity and reduced the pressure on Murray. But when Conner suffered a significant injury in Week 3, Murray was forced to shoulder the offensive load once again. The results were uneven, as Arizona dropped three games by a combined six points before Murray was sidelined himself.
In his absence, Brissett stepped in and delivered an efficient performance, completing 27 of 44 passes for 320 yards. He led the offense to a season-high 400 total yards. Even after losing Harrison Jr. in the second quarter, Brissett remained composed and kept the Cardinals competitive deep into the fourth quarter. The team’s final drive ended just inches short — stopped by a controversial goal-line call on a pass to McBride that could have rewritten the outcome.
While Brissett’s effort was impressive, the loss once again highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Murray’s long-term role as the franchise quarterback. Arizona continues to look for identity — not just at the quarterback position, but as a team. Gannon dismissed any talk of a potential quarterback change, reaffirming that Murray will remain QB1 once healthy. Still, the noise outside the locker room is only growing louder.
Photo Cred: Clutch Points
Off the field, the Cardinals announced plans for a new state-of-the-art training facility expected to open in 2028 — a project meant to symbolize the team’s commitment to the future. When asked about it, Murray said, “It’s beautiful. I don’t know when it’s coming out, but hopefully I’m here to see it.” His comment raised eyebrows, revealing a subtle acknowledgment of the growing questions about his long-term future in Arizona.
Unfortunately, in today’s NFL, few quarterbacks are afforded the time and patience that Murray has received. Former first-round pick Josh Rosen, lasted only one season in Arizona before the franchise selected Murray in 2019. Seven years later, the once dynamic dual-threat quarterback who took the league by storm has struggled to recapture his early-career magic. Since tearing his ACL in 2022, Murray has battled inconsistency in his reads, deep-ball accuracy, and overall field awareness — key areas that have prevented him from returning to elite form.
The Cardinals entered this season with a playoff-or-bust mentality, believing that the combination of a retooled roster, improved offensive design, and a stronger defense would be enough to make a postseason push. Yet at 2–4 — during what was considered the “easy” stretch of their schedule — the team now faces a brutal second half featuring matchups against multiple playoff contenders.
If the struggles persist, the franchise could be nearing the end of the Kyler Murray era. It would be a bittersweet conclusion to a tenure that began with so much promise — a No. 1 overall pick, an Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign, and flashes of brilliance that once had Arizona believing they’d found their franchise savior. But in the years since, the connection between Murray and the organization has been tested by injuries, coaching changes, and unmet expectations.
Still, Murray’s NFL journey may be far from over. History has shown that talented quarterbacks can revive their careers in new environments. Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones, and even Mac Jones have all found renewed opportunity after facing similar crossroads. Murray, still only 28, has the physical tools and football IQ to rebound if given the right system and support.
For now, the Cardinals remain hopeful that he can rediscover that spark — but as the losses pile up and the schedule toughens, it’s becoming clearer that Murray’s next chapter may unfold somewhere other than Arizona.
