PHX Reporter

Momentum is a concept frequently invoked in sports, often seen as an influential force during the heat of competition. The Arizona Cardinals, following a strong finish to their 2023 season and a top-five running game, have found themselves associated with this idea.

Coach Jonathan Gannon addressed the topic on Wednesday as the team commenced training camp. He disclosed that Kenny Bell, the team's director of football strategy, conducted an extensive analysis on momentum. This investigation included historical data from 19th-century warfare, Olympic events, and various sports such as tennis and golf.

"Why does Xander (Schauffele) go bogey-par-bogey and then birdie-birdie-birdie-birdie-birdie?" Gannon questioned. "Is that momentum? I don't know. Maybe he just hit some good wedge shots and made some putts."

Gannon's curiosity was piqued by media narratives suggesting that specific plays or series could shift a game's dynamics.

"I always thought to myself, 'Is that real?'" Gannon said. "Maybe you can feel it, or it's an instinct, 'Oh man you're on your heels,' or 'Oh man, you're on the attack.' What do you have to do to gain momentum, stop momentum, all those things.

"We just wanted to make sure we were versed on what that actually is or what that means. It's funny; you talk to anybody in our building (ask) if momentum is real; you're going to get a lot of different answers."

Gannon did not definitively state his stance on the matter but suggested it might depend on one's perspective and tendency to revisit past events. He defined momentum as a team consistently executing its responsibilities leading to positive outcomes.

"Does momentum exist?" Gannon pondered. "The answer is ... perhaps."

Caitlyn Epes/Arizona Cardinals

Receiver Greg Dortch finishes his big play in Philadelphia last season on the game-winning drive against the Eagles.