Cardinals Ready to Move On After Loss to Lions

After a stunning victory over the Los Angeles Rams in their second game of the season, the Arizona Cardinals faltered at home, suffering a frustrating loss to the Detroit Lions. The setback has left both players and fans questioning the team’s trajectory and their prospects for the remainder of the season. But as they prepare for the next challenge, the Cardinals are not dwelling on the past—they’re “p*ssed off” and ready to bounce back.

The upcoming matchup against the Washington Commanders presents a unique challenge for Arizona, as it’s a reunion of sorts. Several familiar faces are set to return to State Farm Stadium, including former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury, now the Commanders’ offensive coordinator, and Jayden Daniels, the Commanders’ dynamic quarterback, who once called Arizona State University home.

The Kingsbury Factor
Kliff Kingsbury’s tenure in Arizona ended after the 2022 season, following a 28-37-1 record and a playoff appearance in 2021. Kingsbury has since found a new role as the offensive coordinator for Washington, where he’s now responsible for an offense led by the talented Daniels. Cardinals fans have mixed memories of Kingsbury’s time in the desert, but there’s no denying he knows this Cardinals squad—especially Kyler Murray, who spent his first four seasons under Kingsbury’s guidance.

This familiarity raises concerns about whether Kingsbury will be able to exploit weaknesses in the Cardinals’ offense. However, Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon is prepared for the challenge, noting, “We turn over every stone. High opinion of Kliff, what he does.” Gannon also emphasized that he’s ready to use insights from his current players who played under Kingsbury, to tip the scale in Arizona’s favor.

Kyler Murray’s Rebound

One of the burning questions surrounding the Cardinals is whether Kyler Murray will be able to shake off his struggles from the Detroit game. Gannon expressed confidence in his quarterback, saying, “He’s going to look to play better than last week, rebound, and get us back to 2-2.” Murray’s performance will be key, especially considering how well Kingsbury knows his tendencies. To succeed, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will need to design plays that maximize Murray’s strengths while keeping the Washington defense off balance.

In addition to Murray, look for Drew Petzing to scheme up more opportunities for rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. The Cardinals offense faltered against Detroit, but getting Harrison involved early could open up the field for other key players like James Conner, who will also be looking to find the end zone after a quiet game.

The NFC West Race

The loss to Detroit leaves the Cardinals in a three-way tie for second place in the NFC West, with the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. With the Seattle Seahawks leading the division, the Cardinals need a win this week to keep pace. The team’s path to an NFC West title is still open, but another loss could further hinder their chances.

Despite the questions looming over the team, there are some bright spots to take away from their early season. The Cardinals have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their Week 2 victory, and their defense has played well enough to keep them competitive in games. But the offense needs to be more consistent if the Cardinals hope to make a serious push in the NFC West.

Takeaways from the Lions’ Loss

The Cardinals’ loss to Detroit was as frustrating as it was avoidable. Arizona failed to capitalize on multiple mistakes by the Lions, and their offense couldn’t sustain drives when it mattered most. The team knows they let a winnable game slip away, but they’ve already shifted focus to the next challenge.

In the NFL, it’s all about how you respond to adversity. With Kingsbury and Daniels coming to town, the Cardinals will face a game that’s more than just about getting back in the win column—it’s about proving they can adapt, improve, and overcome familiar foes. Can the Cardinals bounce back and remain competitive in the NFC West? Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely when the Commanders come to town.

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