PHX Reporter

Losing is never easy, especially when the margin is slim and a few plays could have changed the outcome. The Arizona Cardinals have faced several close losses this season, including a recent game against the Rams where five yards might have altered the result.

"You never know what's going to turn the tide in a game and what plays are going to be critical to winning and losing the game," said Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon. "They all matter. What we do on a daily basis, how we're operating, how we're behaving, from meetings to the weight room to walk-through to practice to full speed. Everything."

The Cardinals began their season with a 1-2 record, both losses being narrow defeats. In October, they managed three consecutive wins in tight situations but have since experienced three losses against teams like the Vikings and recently against the Panthers and Rams.

"It's been a theme with Minnesota, Detroit, Buffalo," wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. remarked. "We're right there and we haven't been able to do it. But I think we played a lot of good teams this year and we've been right in the mix and took them to the wire. And Seattle twice. It's tough but I think we're right there and that's kind of encouraging."

Harrison Jr.'s performance against the Rams was notable as he recorded six receptions for 96 yards after being challenged by Gannon to improve his practice habits. This improvement comes as the team aims to end their season positively by doubling their 2023 win total.

Tight end Trey McBride has also been a standout player for Arizona's offense this season, potentially earning his first Pro Bowl selection with over 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards achieved this year despite an interception thrown during a crucial moment in their latest defeat.

Reflecting on these moments is key for Gannon as he looks towards future improvements with one game remaining this season.

"I feel like we're closer to being able to win more games than what we have done," Gannon stated. "I know it's a bottom line business. I understand that and I'm the first one to tell you that, but I think it's very evident and clear where we want to be and how we need to get there."