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After a hot start to their season, the Arizona Cardinals hit a bit of a skid even with Kyler Murray still working his way back to full strength. Despite their recent shortcomings, the Cardinals flipped the script on Sunday and came away with a major road win against the red-hot Dallas Cowboys.
Murray outdueled Dak Prescott on his home turf and led the Cardinals to an impressive victory in Week 17. As the Cardinals start to find their footing again, it’s looking like things are starting to go their way with the NFL Playoffs fast approaching. Even without James Conner, DeAndre Hopkins, and JJ Watt, the Cardinals have still been playing lights out on both ends of the field.
Let’s discuss three takeaways from the Cardinals’ bounce-back Week 17 win over the Cowboys.
3. Antoine Wesley was clutch
With four receptions, 30 yards receiving, and two touchdowns against the Cowboys, Wesley was a life-saver for the Cardinals offense as they’ve been playing with a depleted receiving corps. Giving Murray another set of steady hands to rely on in the passing game will prove to be crucial for the Cardinals as the season wears on, and in Week 17, Wesley showed them what he’s capable of.
Given that half of his receptions resulted in touchdowns, it goes without saying that Wesley was clutch for the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon. As they continue their push towards the NFL Playoffs and look to finish out their regular season on a high note, the Cardinals will definitely need more big games from Wesley, especially if they’re aiming for their first Super Bowl title since 1947.
2. Kyler Murray handled Dak Prescott
In an epic battle between two Pro Bowl quarterbacks, Murray outlasted Prescott as the Cardinals came out on top in thrilling fashion. With 263 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 44 rush yards on nine carries, Murray gave the Cowboys defense all types of headaches throughout the game. His ability to pass on the run and create for his teammates while having the mobility of a running back is exactly why Murray was an early favorite for this season’s MVP trophy.
Even if he’s no longer in the running for the coveted award, there’s no denying that the 24-year-old Murray has continually elevated his play each year he’s been in the league and will continue to cause problems for opposing defenses in the future. In what’s been a whirlwind season for the Cardinals, one constant for them has been Murray, and if he can stay healthy, then the sky’s the limit for the young and determined squad.
1. Pressure is on
The Cardinals will face the already-eliminated Seattle Seahawks for their last game of the regular season. Steve Wilks and his wards know that every snap counts and they must not let up in the slightest ahead of the NFL Playoffs. Plus with the Los Angeles Rams now in control of the NFC West, the pressure is now on for the Cardinals to come away with a win and stay on top of their game.
After their recent slip-ups, they know that getting a quality win like they were able to against the Cowboys is exactly how they need to play for the rest of the campaign if they expect to make a deep run in the postseason.