After 2 1/2 seasons as an NFL afterthought, the Arizona Cardinals are back in the playoff hunt. The Cardinals (4-4) rallied for a 28-27 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday thanks to another stellar fourth quarter from Kyler Murray, who directed two long touchdown drives. Arizona never led until Chad Ryland connected on a 34-yard field goal as time expired.
Murray threw for a season-high 307 yards. “He's got really good poise,” second-year coach Jonathan Gannon said. “There were some big-time, instinctive feel plays.
” The Cardinals won back-to-back games for the first time since 2021. Now, they share first place in the NFC West with the 49ers and Seahawks and have legitimate postseason aspirations following two straight 4-13 seasons. More important, they're gaining another trait that Gannon is excited about, particularly in late-game situations.
“Confidence,” Gannon said. “Confidence in themselves. And they know they have a chance to win with our quarterback.
So if they just do their job, and max out, our quarterback can get it done. So there's a lot of confidence when they trot out there.” Murray's been great, but he's far from the only reason the Cardinals have won three of their past four.
Tight end Trey McBride and rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. each had more than 100 yards receiving on Sunday, and James Conner had a few big runs late. Arizona has played one of the toughest schedules in the NFL so far this season, making its 4-4 record more respectab.