2023 NFL Season Recaps: The Arizona Cardinals

As we prepare for the 2023 NFL season, it's a great time to reflect on the highs and lows of the previous season. Today, we'll be diving deep into the Arizona Cardinals' 2022 campaign, examining their performance and identifying areas that need improvement.

The Cardinals endured a challenging season, finishing with a less than stellar 4-13 straight-up record. This was a season that was filled with ups and downs, but also provided some key moments that the team could build upon for the upcoming 2023 season.

The Good

Despite facing adversity, the Cardinals showcased an impressive ability to rise to the occasion, especially when playing on the road. The 2022 season saw them going 4-4 Against The Spread (ATS) in away games. The Cardinals demonstrated a notable tenacity in less familiar territories, giving fans a reason to remain hopeful for the future.

A prime example of this was their Week 2 performance against the Las Vegas Raiders. Playing as the away team, the Cardinals overcame the odds, securing a solid 29-23 victory. Similarly, in Week 10, they pulled off a surprising win against the formidable Los Angeles Rams on their home turf, emerging victorious with a 27-17 scoreline. These instances showcased the Cardinals' ability to step up against tough competition, providing glimpses of what the team is capable of.

The Bad

However, not all was rosy for the Cardinals in the 2022 season. Their 4-13 straight-up record fell short of their playoff ambitions, exposing several areas in need of significant improvement. One particularly worrying trend was their home performance. The Cardinals finished with a 1-8 straight-up record at home, a statistic that's bound to raise alarm bells within the team and its supporters.

For instance, in their Week 9 home game against the Seattle Seahawks, the Cardinals succumbed to a disappointing 31-21 defeat, underlining their struggles to convert home games into wins. From a betting perspective, the Cardinals proved to be a risky proposition, ending the season with an 8-9 record against the spread (ATS). This unpredictability was evident in their narrow 19-16 home loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16, despite being the favorites.

The Ugly

The biggest concern for the Cardinals in the 2022 season was their struggling defense. They found themselves ranked 28th out of 32 teams in terms of points allowed per game. In the NFL, such defensive frailties can seriously undermine a team's prospects of success.

This issue was glaringly evident in the Cardinals' season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, where they conceded a staggering 44 points. Their struggles against the spread at home were equally concerning. Of the nine home games, the Cardinals only managed to cover the spread four times. This pattern of underperformance was starkly highlighted in Week 14, when they lost 27-13 to the New England Patriots at home, failing to cover the spread yet again.

Looking Ahead

Despite a challenging 2022 season, the Cardinals have a valuable opportunity to use these experiences as learning tools for 2023. By focusing on their defensive frailties and seeking to improve their home record, the Cardinals could transform their fortunes in the coming season. A strong off-season focusing on these areas might just be the key to ensuring a more successful 2023 campaign. For now, all eyes will be on how the Arizona Cardinals approach this crucial juncture and prepare for the battles ahead.