Arizona Cardinals will need to give Kliff Kingsbury a long leash
By Steve Rivera
The Arizona Cardinals begin another new chapter in 2019. Given the state of the franchise, they’d be smart to give Kliff Kingsbury a long leash moving forward.
The Arizona Cardinals begin their second season as a team in full-blown rebuild mode. That’s no knock on the organization, as things of this nature can often start and restart. In Arizona, a new head coach replacing another “new” head coach means this particular rebuild has taken a turn.
After a 2018 season that had the Cardinals go belly up pretty early, the end results of a 3-13 campaign meant wholesale changes in the desert. Exit Steve Wilks, enter Kliff Kingsbury. Exit Josh Rosen, enter Kyler Murray.
Trends being what they are, the debacle that was last season indicates the troubles for the Cardinals run deep. A quick change at the head coaching position followed up by drafting another quarterback in the first round says something. In the case of this organization, what it says isn’t good.
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Kingsbury and Murray seem a much fresher start in 2019 than Wilks and Rosen did in 2018. Rosen, who some believed was the most ”pro-ready” quarterback in last year’s draft, was replaced by a Heisman Trophy winner in Murray. The two should also have a lengthy opportunity to find some success, especially given the state of the franchise.
But fresh start aside, a combination of patience and hope will be required for Cardinals fans. As electric as Murray can be, it’s certainly no lock — especially in a rookie season.
Meanwhile, Kingsbury will have his own challenges adapting his offensive game plan. 2018 saw a few teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints light up the scoreboard. While Murray allows Kingsbury that kind of potential, a leaky offensive line hindering a questionable running game could stall that potential. Meaning that, while 3-13 was a disaster last season, it may ultimately be a reasonable measuring stick for 2019.
Looking ahead at the Cardinals in the 2019 NFC West is looking at another last-place finish. Given the state of the organization, fans should expect progress along the lines of playing better and growth with both Kingsbury and Murray. 3-13 or even 4-12 that shows promise would be better than either record with only another top-five pick to look forward to.
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As dramatic as all the moves appear, it may also signal a calming of the waters in Arizona. The Cardinals can’t afford another do-over given how quickly they cut bait on Wilks and Rosen. If Kingsbury was looking for job security in the NFL, he probably has found it.