Examine Jonathan Gannon’s groundbreaking debut season as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, emphasizing player development and culture building in spite of a difficult win-loss record.
First impressions matter a lot in the NFL, and Jonathan Gannon’s tenure as the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach has been anything but smooth in his first full season. Although the team’s record isn’t particularly impressive, there is more to this season’s tale than just the winstamp.
Remember the first time Gannon took over? He talked about grit, big plays, flexibility, and smart football when he first arrived, preparing us for what we believed to be solid, foundational football. But let’s face it, most people thought the Cards had worse players than a child’s first smile, and their star quarterback, Kyler Murray, was sidelined for a significant portion of the season due to an ACL tear.
In the present, the Cardinals’ dismal 3-10 record is what you would expect. But context is everything here. Murray missed the first nine games, which is a setback that any team would find difficult to recover from. In spite of this bleak outlook, the Cardinals have succeeded in surpassing the predictions of the doubters. They’ve fought with tenacity, surpassing their perceived weight class, and occasionally—though not consistently—have displayed glimpses of Gannon’s vision.
Under Gannon’s direction, the Cardinals’ energy has clearly changed. The fact that the team has persevered throughout the season despite obvious setbacks is a true testament to Gannon’s ability to keep these guys inspired and involved. The head coach is reflected in the team’s general work ethic and culture, and the Cardinals are doing well in that regard.
This fresh energy isn’t just surface-level; it’s permeating every aspect of their performance, particularly on defense, where the Cardinals have suppressed some potent offenses with a team effort. Gannon brought with him the ability to plan an effective pass rush from his time in Philadelphia, where the Eagles had a pass rush that was regularly ranked in the top five. Despite not having a pass rusher in the top 55 in the league for sacks, they are ranked 15th overall as a unit.
Despite having a bad record, Gannon’s Arizona Cardinals are creating a positive culture.
The development of the younger players has been one of the best aspects of this Cardinals season. Trey McBride’s explosion is evident, but it’s possible to argue that he would have flourished under any head coach. His influence on players, particularly on the defensive end, is undeniable. Under Gannon’s direction, a number of the Cards’ defenders have improved this season.
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Let’s focus on Dennis Gardeck, who is one of the players who gains from Gannon’s inclusion. He has become a better outside linebacker in almost every aspect of his game. With a full month remaining in the season, he has almost doubled his snap total from the previous year, which is reflected in his playing time. Gardeck made a significant improvement in his rush on the passer last year, going from having just one sack to five so far in his 2023 campaign while increasing his pressure by more than twice. Not only has his rush the passer aspect of his game improved, but so have his pass coverage stats compared to the previous campaign.
This season, Jalen Thompson of the Cardinals secondary has improved tremendously. Under Gannon’s leadership, the team has yielded fewer touchdowns while gaining more interceptions. His ability to force errors and stop points in crucial situations has made him an excellent player in the secondary. Under this new coaching staff, Thompson has also been able to find new versatility, emerging as a disruptive force when called upon to go after the quarterback.
Gannon’s influence extends beyond Xs and Os; he is transforming the organization’s culture. His level-headed approach has been adopted by the team, which never seems to veer too far in either direction. Kyler Murray, whose development off the field has been just as remarkable as his on-field accomplishments, appears to be feeling the effects of this new culture. Gannon has had a maturity and leadership quality about him since his arrival that is difficult to ignore. As a result of Gannon’s influence on the team culture, he has been a driving force behind the group’s never-say-die mentality.
It’s evident that Gannon has focused on more than just winning in his first season with the Cardinals. It has been about creating a culture, nurturing talent, and setting the stage for success in the future. Who knows with a healthy Kyler Murray back on the field, a high draft pick, and the team’s continued success? We may just witness the Cardinals taking off in the upcoming season.
