No one predicted the Arizona Cardinals to be the last undefeated team in the 2021 NFL season.
There were other frontrunners before the games started, but the Cardinals outlasted them all.
It’s not that Kliff Kingsbury’s team did not encounter stiff opposition throughout the first four weeks.
They could be 3-1 if not for Minnesota Vikings kicker Greg Joseph’s missed field goal.
Other than that, the Cardinals campaign is sailing smoothly so far.
Looking for the other undefeated teams… pic.twitter.com/GCacDhpIge
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 5, 2021
They opened the season with a convincing victory over the Tennessee Titans, 38-13.
Their defense limited Derrick Henry to only 58 rushing yards.
Meanwhile, Chandler Jones finished with five sacks, and Isaiah Simmons had an interception
Kyler Murray also had 289 yards and four touchdown passes, two to DeAndre Hopkins and the other two to Christian Kirk.
He followed up that game with a 400-yard, three-touchdown performance against Minnesota.
Hopkins, Rondale Moore, and A.J. Green had one receiving touchdown each, while Markus Golden had Arizona’s lone sack.
Clutch performance with a bit of fortune at the end. Kyler made some huge plays. Kirk is a massive deep threat. Defence improved in the second half. @K1:
29/36 400 Pass Yrds (11.11 YPA)
3 TDs, 2 INTs
31 Rush Yrds (6.2 YPC)
1 Rush TD #AZCardinals #MINvsAZ #RedSea pic.twitter.com/k1A4cMkvra— Ashlee Kiddell (@ashlee_kiddell) September 19, 2021
In Week 3, the Cardinals defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, 31-19.
Arizona came back from a 13-7 first-half deficit to outscore Jacksonville in the second half.
Kirk and Green both had 100-yard receiving games while James Conner completed two rushing touchdowns.
Murray added another touchdown with his feet and threw for 316 yards.
Golden and Jordan Hicks each had a sack while Byron Murphy caught two picks.
Finally, the Cardinals won their NFC West showdown against the previously undefeated rival Los Angeles Rams.
They made it look easy even if football fans expected it to be a hotly contested match.
Arizona established their ground game to finish with 216 rushing yards, 120 courtesy of Chase Edmonds.
Green and Maxx Williams each had a receiving touchdown.
Murphy had an interception off Matthew Stafford while Hicks led the defense with six tackles.
Goodnight Los Angeles 💤 pic.twitter.com/AFCbvfssC8
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 3, 2021
Keeping The Streak Alive
It’s difficult to stop the Cardinals offense because anyone can have a big game every week.
Their receiving stats reveal a balanced offense, Green, Kirk, Hopkins, and Moore all have over 200 yards.
Williams is not far behind with 179, while Edmonds has 140.
Edmonds and Conner also combine for 106.8 yards per game through Week 4.
But the undefeated run strengthens Murray’s case for Most Valuable Player.
Hard fought W on the road. Love em’. 🥋 pic.twitter.com/8LpyDcaO59
— Kyler Murray (@K1) September 27, 2021
After four weeks, he now has 1,273 passing yards, 255 rushing yards, and 12 total touchdowns.
The Oklahoma alum completed 76 percent of his passes and averages 9.5 yards per completion.
Opponents will have a handful against the Arizona offense that ranks fourth in passing, sixth in rushing, and first in points per game.
The Cardinals also rank ninth in points allowed, with 21.3 points per game.
But while they are trending up, Arizona’s undefeated run is in danger because they will be facing the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5.
Arizona must limit the production of the Niners backfield tandem of Elijah Mitchell and Trey Sermon.
Trey Sermon: 19 carries, 89 yards, 4.7 per carry today. Nice bright spot for the 49ers. He ran hard and he ran well. Building block to potentially pair with Trey Lance in what should be a very interesting game plan next week at Arizona (can it catch the Cardinals by surprise?)
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 4, 2021
Trey Lance’s mobility is also a concern for the Cardinals if he will take over the injured Jimmy Garoppolo.
Likewise, Deebo Samuel is running wild with 490 yards and three touchdowns.
Samuel continued his hot start with 156 yards and two touchdowns versus the Seattle Seahawks.
Neutralizing the 49ers will be a tall order for the Cardinals.
Welcome to the Wild Wild West. pic.twitter.com/xYBTNY595K
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 8, 2021
Meanwhile, San Francisco has a talented defensive unit that can neutralize Arizona’s high-powered offense.
It will not be an easy outing, but the Cardinals might have an extra boost while playing at home.
Leave a Reply