When Will Cardinals Finally Get Their First Win?
While Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort undoubtedly went into the 2023 season with hopes of winning every game, the reality is this is exactly where many believed the Arizona Cardinals would be as they start the season 0-2.
To their credit, the Cardinals have been very competitive and could very easily be 2-0 right now if they were able to put together a full 60-minute effort. But alas, the reality is they are winless through two weeks with a tough schedule ahead.
Our question today is when will the Cardinals see their first victory of the year?
It's very difficult to say with so many quality teams on the schedule, but there are a few toss-ups yet to come and perhaps the Cards could swing an upset or two.
Here, we will take a look at the Cardinals' next few games and do a brief preview of each until we finally arrive at their first win of the year:
Week 3 vs. Dallas Cowboys - Loss
The Dallas Cowboys are the second-largest betting favorites heading into their Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals
© Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
We start with this week's matchup against the Cowboys and this feels all but certain to be a loss for the Cardinals.
The Cowboys have one of the most talented rosters across the league on both sides of the football and have played like it to start the season. Even with the loss of Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys still have far too many weapons in place both offensively and defensively to see any signs of slowing down.
Although the Cardinals will play host to the Cowboys, do not expect a win here. There is always a chance for an upset, but this should be a game well in the hands of the Cowboys.
Week 4 @ San Francisco 49ers - Loss
Nick Bosa and the San Francisco 49ers will look to continue their hot streak of wins in Week 4 with an extended period of rest after playing on Thursday Night Football.
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The 49ers are one of the favorites to win the NFC entirely let alone just the NFC West. Their roster is built to win championships from the bottom up and has a coaching staff in place to echo the talent on its roster.
The Cardinals' first meeting with the Niners will be in Santa Clara and this spells disaster for the team. While the Cardinals have had quite a bit of success over the 49ers in recent years, do not expect that to be the case this year no matter where the game takes place.
Week 5 vs. Cincinnati Bengals - Loss
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow hopes to have a healed calf by time the Arizona Cardinals play host to them in Week 5.
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Don't let the Bengals starting the season 0-2 fool you... this is still a championship-caliber team.
There is quite a bit the Bengals are working through right now and none so bigger than Joe Burrow's lingering calf issue. It's evident he hasn't been 100% to start the year and it's held the team back.
But by the time the Cardinals roll into the Bengals schedule it feels all but certain that the team will be back on track. This is a loss for the Cardinals even if Burrow is still hampered, but a 100% healthy Burrow makes this a blowout.
Week 6 @ Los Angeles Rams - Win?
The Los Angeles Rams are dealing without Cooper Kupp for the moment, but can Matthew Stafford elevate his team?
By no stretch are the Rams a team that can be rolled over, but compared to the rest of the remaining schedule they feel the most beatable for the Cardinals.
The Rams have shown to be competitive through two games this season with a week one win over the Seahawks and a tight loss last week to the 49ers. It's a team that has shown more than many, including yours truly expected out of them.
Even still, this is a Rams team with plenty of holes, and with the way the Cardinals have played through two weeks, it feels like these two are destined to go blow for blow with each other. I don't feel confident about it, but this is a winnable game for the Cardinals even in LA.
