The 2015 Arizona Cardinals: A Comprehensive Season Retrospective

The 2015 Arizona Cardinals season was a memorable one, as the team defied expectations to reach the NFC Championship Game. Led by quarterback Carson Palmer, the Cardinals offense was one of the most potent in the league, while the defense held its own against some of the best offenses in the NFL.

Regular Season

The Cardinals started the season strong, winning their first four games. They then hit a rough patch, losing three of their next four games. However, the Cardinals rebounded to win their next five games, which put them in contention for a playoff spot.

The Cardinals finished the regular season with an 11-5 record, which was good for second place in the NFC West. They earned a wild-card berth in the playoffs.

Playoffs

The Cardinals opened the playoffs with a 26-20 win over the Green Bay Packers. They then upset the Carolina Panthers, the No. 1 seed in the NFC, in the NFC Divisional Round.

In the NFC Championship Game, the Cardinals lost to the Seattle Seahawks, 36-6. However, the Cardinals' performance in the playoffs was a testament to their resilience and determination.

Offensively Explosive

The Cardinals offense was one of the most explosive in the NFL in 2015. Palmer threw for 4,671 yards and 35 touchdowns, both of which were career highs. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald had a resurgent season, catching 109 passes for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns.

Running back David Johnson also had a breakout season, rushing for 1,239 yards and nine touchdowns. The Cardinals' offense was a major reason for their success in 2015.

Stout Defense

The Cardinals defense was also a major factor in their success in 2015. The defense allowed just 348.5 yards per game, which was sixth in the NFL. The Cardinals also forced 32 turnovers, which was third in the NFL.

Linebacker Chandler Jones led the Cardinals with 11 sacks, while Patrick Peterson had eight interceptions. The Cardinals' defense was a key reason why they were able to reach the NFC Championship Game.

Key Statistics

• Regular Season Record: 11-5
• Playoff Record: 2-1
• Points For: 489 (5th in NFL)
• Points Against: 314 (6th in NFL)
• Total Yards: 6,283 (4th in NFL)
• Passing Yards: 4,671 (2nd in NFL)
• Rushing Yards: 1,609 (10th in NFL)
• Sacks: 48 (3rd in NFL)
• Interceptions: 25 (3rd in NFL)
• Turnovers: 32 (3rd in NFL)

Effective Strategies

The Cardinals' success in 2015 was due in part to several effective strategies. These strategies included:

• Aggressive Offense: The Cardinals offense was one of the most aggressive in the NFL. They threw the ball downfield often and were not afraid to take risks.
• Strong Defense: The Cardinals defense was one of the best in the NFL. They were able to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers.
• Balanced Attack: The Cardinals offense was balanced, with a mix of passing and running. This made it difficult for opposing defenses to stop them.
• Home Field Advantage: The Cardinals had a strong home-field advantage at University of Phoenix Stadium. They won all eight of their home games in 2015.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Cardinals also made some mistakes in 2015 that they should avoid in the future. These mistakes included:

• Penalties: The Cardinals were one of the most penalized teams in the NFL in 2015. They committed 125 penalties, which cost them several games.
• Turnovers: The Cardinals turned the ball over 25 times in 2015. This was a major factor in their loss to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
• Injuries: The Cardinals were injured in 2015, especially on the defense. This made it difficult for them to maintain their level of play throughout the season.

Pros and Cons of the 2015 Season

The Cardinals' 2015 season had many pros and cons.

Pros:

• Reached the NFC Championship Game
• One of the most explosive offenses in the NFL
• Strong defense
• Home field advantage

Cons:

• Lost in the NFC Championship Game
• Penalties
• Turnovers
• Injuries

FAQs

1. What was the Cardinals' record in 2015?
The Cardinals finished the 2015 regular season with an 11-5 record.

2. Who was the Cardinals' quarterback in 2015?
Carson Palmer was the Cardinals' quarterback in 2015.

3. Who led the Cardinals in receiving in 2015?
Larry Fitzgerald led the Cardinals in receiving in 2015 with 109 catches for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns.

4. Who led the Cardinals in rushing in 2015?
David Johnson led the Cardinals in rushing in 2015 with 1,239 yards and nine touchdowns.

5. Who led the Cardinals in sacks in 2015?
Chandler Jones led the Cardinals in sacks in 2015 with 11 sacks.

6. Who led the Cardinals in interceptions in 2015?
Patrick Peterson led the Cardinals in interceptions in 2015 with eight interceptions.

7. What was the Cardinals' biggest win in 2015?
The Cardinals' biggest win in 2015 was a 40-17 win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round.

8. What was the Cardinals' biggest loss in 2015?
The Cardinals' biggest loss in 2015 was a 36-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

Conclusion

The Cardinals' 2015 season was a successful one, as they reached the NFC Championship Game. The Cardinals