Why the Cardinals’ Victory Over the Jets Doesn’t Prove They Are a True Contender

The Arizona Cardinals’ 24-17 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon was certainly a welcomed boost for a team that has struggled to find its identity in 2024. With a solid performance from rookie quarterback Kyler Murray and a defense that stood tall when needed most, the win at home seemed to signal potential for a team that many had written off as a non-factor in the NFC playoff race.

However, while the victory was a positive step for the Cardinals, it doesn’t necessarily prove they are a true contender in a stacked NFC. Despite their efforts, there are still several key factors that need to be addressed before anyone can seriously consider Arizona a legitimate Super Bowl threat. Here’s why the victory over the Jets, as encouraging as it was, shouldn’t be seen as a definitive marker of the Cardinals’ potential in 2024.

**The Jets Are Struggling**

Let’s start with the context of the win: the Jets. While New York boasts one of the most talented defenses in the NFL, their offense has been a major issue all season. Quarterback Zach Wilson continues to struggle with consistency, and the team is in the midst of a significant identity crisis on that side of the ball. In their loss to the Cardinals, the Jets were once again unable to find any rhythm offensively, with Wilson failing to connect with his receivers and the rushing attack sputtering under pressure.

The Cardinals’ defense, which has been inconsistent throughout the season, did what it needed to do—forcing Wilson into uncomfortable situations and capitalizing on turnovers. But let’s be honest: beating the Jets, who are averaging just 14.5 points per game over their last five contests, doesn’t prove much about Arizona’s championship potential. While it was a solid defensive showing, facing a team with one of the league’s worst offenses isn’t the same as shutting down a high-powered unit like those of the Philadelphia Eagles or San Francisco 49ers.

**Kyler Murray’s Inconsistent Play**

Kyler Murray’s performance in the victory was a mixed bag. While he did show flashes of brilliance, particularly on a 45-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, he also exhibited the same inconsistencies that have plagued him in previous seasons. Murray finished the game with 243 passing yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw an interception and missed a few key throws. The Jets’ defense, while talented, didn’t have the same edge it normally does due to injuries and internal struggles. Against a more disciplined, well-coached team, Murray’s mistakes could have been more costly.

To be a true contender, Murray needs to demonstrate more than just flashes of greatness. He needs to show the consistency and poise that Super Bowl quarterbacks exhibit. Until he can eliminate the turnover-prone tendencies and improve his decision-making, it’s hard to consider the Cardinals as serious title contenders.

**A Long Road Ahead: The NFC is Tough**

While the victory over the Jets is a step in the right direction, the Cardinals’ path to the playoffs is far from clear. The NFC is stacked with dominant teams this year, from the undefeated Eagles to the explosive 49ers and the defending NFC champion Rams. Arizona, even with a healthy Murray, will need to string together a series of impressive victories to prove they belong in that conversation.

Looking at the schedule ahead, the Cardinals face a number of tough matchups. Games against division rivals like the 49ers and Rams, as well as high-flying offenses like the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings, will test Arizona’s defense and Murray’s ability to lead the offense consistently. A win over a team like the Jets, while important for morale and playoff hopes, doesn’t offer a true benchmark for how the Cardinals would fare against elite competition.

**The Defense: Still a Work in Progress**

The Cardinals’ defense has shown promise, particularly against the Jets. However, they are still far from elite, and the team as a whole remains vulnerable to explosive offenses. Arizona’s defense allowed Wilson to throw for over 250 yards, and though they intercepted him once, they also gave up a number of big plays. In a potential playoff scenario against a team like the Eagles or the Cowboys, where the quarterback play and offensive weapons are significantly more dangerous, Arizona’s defensive lapses could easily be exposed.

In addition, the Cardinals’ run defense remains suspect. While the Jets didn’t do much to exploit it, teams with stronger ground games will undoubtedly look to capitalize on that weakness, especially as the weather turns colder and running the ball becomes more crucial.

**The Verdict: A Positive Step, but Not a Statement**

While the Cardinals’ win over the Jets was undoubtedly a positive and much-needed result, it doesn’t provide enough evidence to label them as a true Super Bowl contender. Arizona has shown flashes of potential this season, but consistency remains the key issue. To be taken seriously in the NFC, they’ll need to prove they can beat quality opponents week in and week out, and that includes a higher level of play from Kyler Murray and a defense that can stand up to top-tier offenses.

For now, the Cardinals’ victory over the Jets is a nice moment in a season full of ups and downs—but it’s just one step in a much longer journey. The NFC is crowded with championship-caliber teams, and Arizona will need much more than a win over a struggling Jets team to prove they belong in the conversation.