Why Cardinals Fans Need to Remain Optimistic

Arizona Cardinals fans may be down - and rightfully so. But looking at the big picture, not all is bad in the desert.

Jack London | Oct 3, 2024

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Young Arizona Cardinals react inthe second half against the Washington Commanders at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images / Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

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Arizona Cardinals

It's a tough week to be an Arizona Cardinals fan. Not to belabor the agony, but coming off a shocking loss at home, most Cardinals fans you see on social media are, at worst, quite upset, and at best, still not super happy.

That all being said, there are still reasons for optimism from Cardinals fans - even if it's hard to swallow at the moment.

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon reacts against the Washington Commanders in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

1. There Are 13 More Games

Let's start with a simple thought - there are a lot more games to be played. It's a long season in a very week to week league. Let's take for example the Ravens - who lost to the Raiders, then beat, quite handily, the Bills, who Arizona lost to by one touchdown.

This past week's loss was quite concerning, but there's no reason Arizona could not turn around and win their next two games, as unbelievable as that sounds.

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) against the Washington Commanders at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

2. Marvin Harrison Jr. Is As Advertised

It could be due to all the metrics that point to Harrison Jr. having a great start to the season - yards of separation, yards per route run, etc.

It could be also be the film that shows he's a clear number one receiver. The four touchdowns that's he has caught with the Cardinals - all of it really shows that Arizona got the fourth pick this past year right.

Sep 8, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (70) looks to block against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

3. Paris Johnson Jr. Is As Advertised

PFF grades don't usually tell the whole story, but Johnson Jr has taken quite the leap this year even if you don't take those into account. This is, of course, after switching positions.

Take that as two first round picks in the top 10, in a row, that are clear hits. Something that hasn't happened in quite some time for Arizona.

Speaking of draft picks...

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) celebrates an interception against the Washington Commanders in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

4. The other draft picks are doing well, for the most part

Aside from Darius Robinson, obviously, the 2023 and 2024 draft picks under Monti Ossenfort have done remarkably well.

Garrett Williams looks like the best corner on the team right now. Dante Stills has contributed to the defense at times - which is about as much as you can expect from a six rounder. Owen Pappoe plays regular snaps. Kei'Trel Clark also contributes. Michael Wilson has his ups and downs but is a solid option behind Harrison.

This year's class is a bit harder to figure out but there's still hope: Max Melton seems to be coming along. Tip Reiman is a solid blocking tight end. Trey Benson will be fine in due time.

And the best part is we all know that every one of these players will very likely get more and more playing time as the season wears on. It is very clear Arizona will be built through the draft - not through free agency.

All these reasons should help Cardinals fans to not lose hope quite yet, despite the loss on Sunday.