Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals are not ready to label any games as must-wins in mid-October.
However, the possibility of a third consecutive losing season makes the upcoming game against the improving Los Angeles Chargers especially significant.
The Cardinals (2-4) have shown some promise in coach Jonathan Gannon’s second year, but they still haven’t managed to win two games in a row since 2021. They find themselves starting over again after a 34-13 loss to Green Bay, just one week after defeating the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers.
“We have to stay positive because we know what we have in this team,” Murray said. “It’s not like we’re at rock bottom. No one has given up on what we can achieve. I have complete faith and confidence in everyone in the locker room.”
The Cardinals have faced a tough schedule, which continues on Monday against the Chargers (3-2), who boast one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Gannon emphasized that the team needs to focus on their own performance.
“We need to do more together to win more games, so that’s where all our energy and focus is right now—on what we can control and how that affects our chances against the Chargers on Monday night,” Gannon said. “That’s our mindset.”
The Chargers are coming off a 23-16 victory over the Broncos, which was a positive sign for their offense. Now they will face a Cardinals defense that has struggled this season.
Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert is not taking anything lightly. “They do a lot of great things,” Herbert said. “They play a variety of coverages and make them all work. When you watch the tape, you can see a well-planned disguise strategy with solid coverage.”
