Are the Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl Favourites?

October 23, 2021

The Arizona Cardinals are the only undefeated team left in the NFL. They've started the year red hot at 6-0 with big wins over the Tennesse Titans, Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers which have put them at the top of the list for Super Bowl favourites. In a division that is home to the 49ers, Rams and Seattle Seahawks, the Cardinals knew it wasn't going to be an easy road to the playoffs. With quarterback Kyler Murray playing at an MVP level, their road just got a lot clearer.
Murray has been a big part of their success this season but a lot of credit is due to their defence as well. Murray, who is in his third NFL season, has been getting better year over year. He has a 73.8% completion rate with 14 touchdowns at an average of 8.9 yards gained per pass attempt this season. The defence, led by lineman J.J. Watt, linebacker Chandler Jones and safety Budda Baker, are allowing the sixth-fewest points per game (PPG) at 19.0 which is almost the same as their fourth-ranked scoring offence at 31.4 PPG.

The Cardinals’ secondary was significantly downgraded going into the season. Star cornerback Patrick Peterson left in free agency and his replacement Malcolm Butler, randomly retired just before the season started. However, young cornerbacks Byron Murphy and Marco Wilson (Murphy is currently tied for second in the NFL with three interceptions) have risen to the occasion. With just under half the season completed, the Cardinals have pretty much already punched their playoff ticket. They haven't won a Super Bowl since 1947 but with the way they're playing this season, on both sides of the ball, that drought could end. 

© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports


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