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Arizona Cardinals: 5 Reasons They’re No Super Bowl Contender

By Ryan Phillips

Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) calls signals against the Detroit Lions during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) calls signals against the Detroit Lions during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) calls signals against the Detroit Lions during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) calls signals against the Detroit Lions during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Their record is a mirage

The Cardinals are a very good football team, but their 9-1 record is the best in the NFL, and that doesn’t accurately reflect their true standing among the league’s best teams. Arizona has had a fairly easy road in its first 10 games this season, and a glance at their schedule proves that.

The Cardinals have solid wins over San Diego and Philadelphia, and also claim victories over two up and down teams with solid records (Detroit and San Francisco). They also bested the Cowboys in Week 9, but that was with Brandon Weeden subbing for Tony Romo.

Arizona’s other four wins have come against teams with a combined record of 10-30. The only time the Cardinals faced a true Super Bowl contender, they were blown off the field by Denver. When they traveled to the Mile High City in Week 5 coming off a bye, the Broncos pasted the Cards 41-20. Peyton Manning torched Arizona’s secondary for 479 yards and four touchdowns.

In Week 12 the Cardinals travel to Seattle to face a stumbling Seahawks team. While Pete Carroll’s bunch hasn’t been great this year it should provide a real test for Arizona. If Stanton and his squad can overcome “The 12th Man” and score a win, then maybe we can start discussing their long-term prospects. As of now, I don’t think the Cardinals are a real Super Bowl contender.

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