The third year has historically proven to be a fortuitous period for head coaches of the Arizona Cardinals.
Ken Whisenhunt elevated Arizona’s victories every year for his first three seasons, culminating in a peak of 10 wins during his final campaign. Bruce Arians followed suit, gradually boosting the win totals for two years before achieving a remarkable 13 wins in his third season.
Similarly, even with challenges, Kliff Kingsbury adhered to this trend, enhancing Arizona’s win record over his first three years, including an impressive 11-win season in his third year.
Now, it’s Jonathan Gannon’s turn in his third year leading the Cardinals. He mirrored Kingsbury’s four wins in 2021 and improved to eight victories last year.
So, is Arizona set for another breakout during Year 3?
Doc’s Sports provides expert NFL picks for each game on our NFL predictions page.
ARIZONA CARDINALS 2025 OFFENSE
This could be a pivotal season for Kyler Murray in his underwhelming career. The dynamic quarterback has spent six seasons as a starter in the NFL but has managed a winning record just once. With a 36-45-1 career record and only one playoff appearance, he currently stands at 14-22, having faced three consecutive losing seasons since 2022.
The time has come for Murray to demonstrate he can rise above the challenges.
On the other hand, players like running back James Conner, tight end Trey McBride, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. clearly embody winning potential.
Much like Caleb Williams in Chicago, Harrison faced unjust criticism during his rookie season. He accumulated 62 receptions for 885 yards and eight touchdowns, which are commendable statistics for any newcomer. Expect him to exceed these figures come this fall.
Arizona ranked No. 11 in total offense and No. 7 in rushing last season. Conner and Murray combined for over 1,600 rushing yards, enhancing the Cardinals to be the No. 8 most efficient third-down offense in the league.
The offensive line boasts a strong starting five; however, depth is a concern. The Cardinals urgently need a third reliable option to step up in the aerial game, in addition to Harrison and McBride.
ARIZONA CARDINALS 2025 SCHEDULE
Sun, Sep 7 @ New Orleans Saints 1:00 p.m.
Sun, Sep 14 vs Carolina Panthers 4:05 p.m.
Sun, Sep 21 @ San Francisco 49ers 4:25 p.m.
Thu, Sep 25 vs Seattle Seahawks 8:15 p.m.
Sun, Oct 5 vs Tennessee Titans 4:05 p.m.
Sun, Oct 12 @ Indianapolis Colts 1:00 p.m.
Sun, Oct 19 vs Green Bay Packers 4:25 p.m.
Week 8 BYE
Mon, Nov 3 @ Dallas Cowboys 8:15 p.m.
Sun, Nov 9 @ Seattle Seahawks 4:05 p.m.
Sun, Nov 16 vs San Francisco 49ers 4:05 p.m.
Sun, Nov 23 vs Jacksonville Jaguars 4:05 p.m.
Sun, Nov 30 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1:00 p.m.
Sun, Dec 7 vs Los Angeles Rams 4:25 p.m.
Sun, Dec 14 @ Houston Texans 1:00 p.m.
Sun, Dec 21 vs Atlanta Falcons 4:05 p.m.
Sun, Dec. 28 vs Cincinnati Bengals TBD
Week 18 @ Los Angeles Rams TBD
ARIZONA CARDINALS 2025 SEASON PICKS AND PREDICTIONS
Over the last two years under Gannon, the Cardinals have fallen short of their expected wins by a full game each season. Is this due to Gannon’s coaching, Murray’s performance, or merely statistical anomalies desperate for adjustment?
Only time will provide clarity. However, it’s challenging to place faith in a Cardinals franchise that has gone 3-6 against their Las Vegas season win total over the past nine years.
One aspect that makes this season seem more promising is the notably weaker schedule. Facing off against the NFC and AFC South divisions—regarded as the least competitive in the league—represents a significant advantage for the Cardinals.
Arizona benefits from only one back-to-back road trip, which is set after a bye week. They also contend with just one short week disadvantage, and even though they have several early morning games on the East Coast, only four kickoffs are scheduled at 10 a.m. PST.
I believe Gannon can align with his predecessors and achieve that coveted third-year surge. For both Murray and the organization, this is a critical juncture. While skepticism about Murray’s leadership and overall ability persists, the surrounding talent could enable a successful season where the Cardinals contend for 10 wins and reestablish their playoff presence.
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