The Arizona Cardinals offense is finally here

In their 28-27 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 8, the Arizona Cardinals fought to the death in their 60-minute contest.

Arizona, now 4-4 on the season with two games remaining before the bye week, has won its last three of four games, all thanks to game-winning field goals.

That's exactly where we're starting with this week's instant takeaways:

The plan is paying off

The Arizona Cardinals underwent a complete regime change in 2023 with new faces like head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort at the helm.

Last season saw four wins this year, although the Cardinals were competitive in virtually every game they played.

With an improved offense heading into the second year of Arizona's rebuild, just playing in close games wasn't enough – it's time to win some of them.

That’s exactly what the Cardinals did.

There was a moment when the Cardinals were down by ten in the third quarter. Miami could have extended its lead beyond two touchdowns, and that might have been a hole that Arizona couldn't dig out of.

Last year, the Cardinals might have failed, even though Arizona stayed strong, fought back and eked out a win. Both sides of the ball held up their end of the bargain when crucial time came.

Style points don't matter in the NFL. Yes, Arizona has come around in the last few weeks. The Cardinals also previously lost close games to the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions by one possession in each contest – in theory, the Cardinals could be 6-2 one possession at the moment.

But in this league you are what your record says you are. The Cardinals have surpassed their wins from last season with half of their schedule remaining.

On days like this, it's easy to watch Arizona's ultimate plan in real time.

Holy insult

Finally.

There has been so much talk about the Arizona Cardinals and their sporadic offense in the first half of the season. Highs have only been followed by more lows this season, and the issues plaguing the Cardinals' offense deserve an article of their own.

But the Cardinals' offense finally got it right – largely thanks to the play of quarterback Kyler Murray, who wasn't sacked once, didn't turn the ball over and threw multiple touchdown passes en route to a 300-yard passing performance.

Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride each had 100-yard receiving performances. Michael Wilson also showed the great presence he provides for Arizona while reaching the end zone.

To Miami's credit, they continued to contain James Conner as the back rushed for just 53 yards on 20 carries. But even late in the game, Conner found the end zone and helped the Cardinals score the game-winning drive before kicker Chad Ryland converted the game-winning field goal.

It was just the second time since Week 2 that the Cardinals scored 28 points or more.

Is Drew Petzing slowly figuring out how to conduct an orchestra that's supposed to play beautiful music?

There are no complaints for this week only.

Budda Baker sends a message

There has been so much trade talk surrounding Baker as the league's Nov. 5 deadline approaches. The All-Pro is in the final year of his contract and could look to join a contending team, while Arizona could look to win something instead of leaving for nothing in the offseason.

Baker is adamant that he doesn't pay attention to outside noise and chatter, but with his play today you might think he's sending a message.

Baker finished with a game-high 12 tackles – including one for a loss – and a deflected pass.

His speed, willingness to get dirty and physicality kept the Cardinals' defense afloat all day – he even talked to Tyreek Hill a bit early on and set the pace.

Baker continues to prove himself to be the heart and soul of this team, and his potential absence could be greater than some would expect.

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Recap: Cardinals upset Dolphins in final play
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