The Arizona Cardinals haven’t made the playoffs since 2021. They haven’t won the NFC West since 2015.
One — or both — of those things likely needs to change in 2025.
This will be Year 3 for head coach Jonathan Gannon, which is typically when franchises expect a turnaround. To prove he’s the right man for the job in Arizona, it’s likely playoff or bust after going 12-22 through his first two seasons.
Then again, it’s also Year 7 for quarterback Kyler Murray. The former No. 1 overall pick has yet to truly live up to his billing.
Both Gannon and Murray could be on the outs if the Cardinals fail to reach the postseason for a fourth straight year. That’s why Murray’s connection with second-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is so crucial.
“To make the playoffs in Year 3, the Cardinals will need Harrison to turn into the No. 1 receiver everyone expected,” Doug Haller of The Athletic said.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Haller added that the Cardinals are expecting Harrison to “make a jump” this upcoming season after some struggles as a rookie. That could mean hitting the 1,000-yard mark and reaching double-digit touchdowns for the first time. Harrison finished 2024 with 885 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
“He’s a not-so-quiet candidate for monster numbers out wide,” CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin wrote.
Considering Arizona used No. 1 and No. 4 overall picks on Murray and Harrison, respectively, it’s no surprise the franchise is banking on their connection paying off. And if it does, that’s a strong reason to believe in the Cardinals ending their playoff drought — as Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon suggests.
“The trajectory is there for Murray and Harrison to make strides as their supporting cast improves in an increasingly weak division. They’ll pull off a sneaky division title for the first time since 2015,” Gagnon wrote.
The Cardinals don't have to win the division to make the playoffs. But if overall improvement doesn’t result in wins — and another playoff miss follows — heads could roll in Arizona.