With big road win, defense gets Cardinals on playoff track

Just when it looked like Arizona’s football season was on the brink of collapse, the team had one of its best performances in a 26-7 win over the New York Giants.

The Cardinals (7-6) snapped a three-game losing streak, and a trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2015 is there for the taking. It’s another example of how quickly emotions can change during an NFL season.

“I think our guys feel good about taking a step towards where we want to go, and we just have to continue to build on it,” coach Kliff Kingsbury said.

Arizona would earn the last wild-card spot in the NFC if the regular season ended today. The Cardinals’ next two games are at home against the Eagles and San Francisco 49ers before the finale at the Los Angeles Rams.

Arizona got back to its winning ways thanks to a stellar defensive performance. Linebacker Haason Reddick set a franchise record with five sacks, and the Cardinals limited the Giants to 159 total yards.

The Temple product Reddick is the latest in a string of unlikely heroes for a defense that has battled injuries.

“They have that group mentality where it’s not about who gets there, it’s just about getting there,” Kingsbury said. “It’s been awesome, couldn’t be prouder of Haason and what he’s been able to do.”

Second-year quar terback Kyler Murray was solid against New York, throwing for 244 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He also ran for 47 yards. But Murray was quick to give credit to the defense for Sunday’s success, adding it wasn’t unexpected.

“That’s who they are,” Murray said. “They are a great defense no matter what anybody says.”

Arizona’s pass rush has been way better than expected without 2019 All-Pro linebacker Chandler Jones, who was lost for the season in October. Reddick, Dennis Gardeck and Markus Golden combined for eight sacks against the Giants.