GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals are eyeing a return to the playoffs, and history says they’re in position to make it happen.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Over the past 35 NFL seasons, at least four teams that missed the playoffs one year have bounced back to make it the next. In 2024, the Vikings, Commanders, Chargers, and Broncos kept that streak alive. Now, the Cardinals are hoping to join that trend after doubling their win total from the two previous years.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) high-fives teammate Marvin Harrison (18) during the team’s training camp session at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 24, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
What the Cardinals need to keep the streak alive:
At the center of Arizona’s push: defense.
General manager Monti Ossenfort went all-in this offseason, overhauling the defensive line with veteran additions like Pro Bowlers Calais Campbell and Josh Sweat. Six of the team’s seven draft picks were used on defense, that includes first-rounder Walter Nolen, a highly-ranked defensive tackle expected to start immediately.
Last year, the Cardinals selected Darius Robinson, another defensive lineman who is already showing growth. What was once the team’s weakest group has quietly become its deepest, and that change could be the X-factor in Arizona’s 2025 campaign.
Arizona Cardinals defensive linemen Calais Campbell (93) and L.J. Collier (91) during mini-camp at Cardinals training center in Tempe on Jun 12, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Arizona also benefits from having the 27th easiest schedule in the league, based on 2024 opponent records. Through the first 11 games, the Cardinals face just three teams that finished above .500 last season, that gives them a golden opportunity to stack early wins.
But past performance is a warning sign.
Arizona famously started 8–0 in 2021 before collapsing down the stretch. Four of their final six games this year are on the road, meaning head coach Jonathan Gannon will need to manage momentum and expectations, now entering his third season.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
