From mediocrity to contenders: The AZ Cardinals' journey to becoming the underdogs of the NFC

The Arizona Cardinals have been a staple of the National Football League (NFL) for over 80 years, with a rich history of highs and lows. Despite their loyal fan base and the state of Arizona's passion for football, the Cardinals have struggled to find consistent success on the field. However, in recent years, the team has undergone significant changes, and a new wave of hope has emerged, transforming them into the underdogs of the NFC.

The Cardinals' struggles on the field have been well-documented, with the team failing to achieve even moderate success in the post-2009 season. This led to a decline in attendance, and the team's relevance began to wane. However, with the arrival of new management and coaching staff, the Cardinals have begun to rebuild and make a push for relevance.

The first major step in the Cardinals' resurgence was the hiring of Kliff Kingsbury as head coach. Kingsbury's innovative and aggressive coaching style brought a new level of energy to the team, and his willingness to take risks has led to some exciting developments on the field. The Cardinals have also made significant moves in the offseason, adding key players and making savvy trades to bolster their roster.

Another factor contributing to the Cardinals' rise is the emergence of quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray, the second overall pick in the 2019 draft, has quickly become one of the most exciting players in the league. His athleticism, arm talent, and work ethic have made him a fan favorite, and his performances on the field have left many in awe.

In addition to the on-field developments, the Cardinals' front office has also made significant strides. General manager Steve Keim has been instrumental in building a competitive roster, making smart trades and free agent signings that have bolstered the team's depth. The Cardinals have also invested heavily in their analytics department, using advanced metrics to inform their decision-making and gain a competitive edge.

Despite their progress, the Cardinals still face significant challenges. The NFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the league, with powerhouses like the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. However, the Cardinals' new regime is optimistic about their chances, and many believe that they have the talent and momentum to make a push for the playoffs.

The Cardinals' history of struggle

The Cardinals have a long and storied history, dating back to 1898. However, despite their rich past, the team has struggled to achieve consistent success on the field. Here are some of the key moments that have defined the Cardinals' history:

• The early years: The Cardinals were founded in 1898 and played in the National Football League (NFL) for the first time in 1920. The team struggled in the early years, failing to win a single championship until 1925.

• The Curly Lambeau era: In the 1920s and 1930s, the Cardinals had a number of talented players, including Hall of Famers like Curly Lambeau and Red Barron. However, the team still failed to achieve consistent success, finishing with a.500 record in 11 of 13 seasons.

• The NFL merger: In 1970, the NFL and American Football League (AFL) merged, creating a single professional football league. The Cardinals were part of the merger, but the team struggled to adapt, finishing with a.444 record in the 1970s.

• The late 1980s and early 1990s: The Cardinals had a brief period of success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, finishing with a 9-7 record in 1989 and reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1974. However, the team struggled to maintain momentum, failing to make the playoffs in several years.

• The Steve Wilks era: In 2018, the Cardinals hired Steve Wilks as head coach, but the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 3-13 record in 2018 and a 4-12 record in 2019.

The rise of Kyler Murray

Kyler Murray, the second overall pick in the 2019 draft, has quickly become one of the most exciting players in the league. Here are some of the key reasons why:

• Elite athleticism: Murray is a dynamic quarterback with elite athleticism, combining speed, agility, and power. He is a threat to make plays with his legs, and his ability to extend plays with his feet has made him a nightmare for defenders.

• Arm talent: Murray has a strong arm, with the ability to throw deep and accurately. He has been accurate on deep passes, and his ability to make throws on the run has made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals.

• Work ethic: Murray is known for his intense work ethic, putting in extra time in the weight room and film room to improve his skills. His dedication to self-improvement has made him a fan favorite, and his performances on the field have left many in awe.

• Leadership: Murray has quickly become a leader on the Cardinals, with the ability to motivate his teammates and make clutch plays in big games. His leadership has been a key factor in the team's success, and he has become a key component of the Cardinals' future.

The Cardinals' offense

The Cardinals' offense has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the arrival of new players and coaches. Here are some of the key developments:

• Spread offense: The Cardinals have adopted a spread offense, with Murray playing in a shotgun formation and relying on quick passes and reads. The offense has been dynamic, with Murray making plays with his legs and arm.

• Play-action passing: The Cardinals have incorporated play-action passing into their offense, with Murray using fake handoffs to freeze