An extensive rebuild by the Arizona Cardinals was expected to drag into 2025 and possibly 2026 as second-year general manager Monti Ossenfort worked methodically to build a roster around star quarterback Kyler Murray. A three-game winning streak has put the franchise ahead of schedule. The Cardinals (5-4) were dominant Sunday in a 29-9 victory over visiting Chicago .
Arizona never trailed, controlled the line of scrimmage and grinded the Bears into submission. The blue-collar performance was one of the most impressive of second-year coach Jonathan Gannon's tenure. Now the Cardinals are alone in first place in the NFC West, though it's a crowded race with the last-place Seahawks just one game behind.
“We take one day at a time, every second counts, maximize the day, keep blinders on and go about your business,” Gannon said. “Display winning behavior on a consistent day-to-day basis and you’ll give yourself a chance to win the game." Thanks partly to the recent winning streak, Ossenfort has been aggressive ahead of the trade deadline, adding linebacker Baron Browning from Denver in an effort to bolster the team's pass rush.
More moves are possible before Tuesday's deadline. On Sunday, the Cardinals won thanks to several players who are far from household names. Emari Demercado ran for a 53-yard touchdown just before halftime .
Young cornerbacks Garrett Williams and Max Melton had solid days against Chicago's talented receivers. Linebacker Zaven Collins had two sacks to .