The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2016 season expected to be one of the top teams in the NFL and a possible contender to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. After the Cardinals have sputtered to a 4-6-1 record through their first 11 games, head coach Bruce Arians isn’t holding back on his thoughts on Arizona’s mediocre start.
In his Monday press conference following Arizona’s latest disappointing loss, a 38-19 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Arians admitted he was surprised veterans haven’t stepped up.
“I’m very surprised. We’ve been talking about it for four weeks and the veterans obviously haven’t done anything about it, so maybe young guys will step up and make the opportunity they need.”
More damning was Arians’ quote about players thinking about themselves rather than the team.
“That’s the selfishness instead of selflessness that has crept in.”
It’s been a weird season in Arizona, as the Cardinals have outscored their opponents (+13) despite having just four wins in 11 games.
Arians’ Cardinals aren’t ready to pack in 2016 just yet, but they’re running out of time to make a run for a playoff berth. There’s still an outside chance the club can qualify for the playoffs if they can win out and get some help from the 8-3 Giants and 6-4-1 Redskins, who teh Cardinals will play this Sunday afternoon in what may be their final stand of this season. It’s unlikely, but if anyone can turn a struggling group of ‘selfish’ players around, it’s Arians. The Cardinals need to come together as a team, otherwise, they’re boned.
