ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals’ 2021 road success vs. NFC West rivals that of teams past

Nov 26, 2021, 9:33 AM | Updated: Nov 29, 2021, 12:14 pm

Arizona Cardinals players celebrate after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 23-13 at Lumen Field on No...

Arizona Cardinals players celebrate after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 23-13 at Lumen Field on November 21, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals haven’t left anything up to chance when it comes to their road record in 2021.

At 6-0, Arizona needs just one more win over its next three games to tie a franchise record for road victories set in 2015 (7-1). Only one other time (2009) have the Cardinals won at least six such games since moving to the Valley in 1988.

The Cardinals have more than overstayed their welcome in enemy territory, too, becoming the third team in NFL history to win its first six games on the road by at least 10 points.

Just as impressive has been the Cardinals’ dominance over its divisional foes on the road, cruising to a 3-0 mark for just the fourth time in franchise history and the first since 2016.

With the postseason in the Cardinals’ crosshairs, let’s take a look at how their previous teams that found success against the division ended up when the dust settled:

2008

Divisional road record: 3-0

Overall road record: 3-5

End result: Super Bowl loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers (27-23)

Arizona’s first taste of road dominance over its NFC West counterparts came in 2008 behind head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

After knocking off the San Francisco 49ers 23-13 in the season opener, Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner took it to his former team, the then-St. Louis Rams, in a 34-13 beatdown in Week 9. Warner threw for 343 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.

The Cardinals closed out their divisional road games with a 26-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11.

And while those victories represented Arizona’s only wins on the road that season, it didn’t matter, with the Cardinals cashing their ticket to Super Bowl XLIII.

Unfortunately for the Cardinals, their success away from their home stadium would run out in the 27-23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that will widely be remembered by a toe-tapping Santonio Holmes in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown.

2009

Divisional road record: 2-1

Overall road record: 6-2

End result: Divisional round playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints (45-14)

While the Cardinals didn’t accomplish their 3-0 mark against the division from a season prior, they did step up their game against the rest of their road opponents.

Arizona’s road map started with the shellacking of both the Jacksonville Jaguars (31-17) and Seattle Seahawks (27-3) in Weeks 2 and 6 before a one-score advantage over the Eli Manning-led New York Giants (24-17) in Week 7.

But after two more wins over the Chicago Bears in Week 9 (41-19) and the Rams in Week 11 (21-13), Arizona finally met its match in Tennessee, falling 20-17 in Week 12 after running back Chris Johnson gashed the defense to the tune of 154 yards and an 85-yard touchdown on 18 carries.

Two weeks later, the Cardinals would drop their second road game in a 24-9 loss to the 49ers. Arizona ended its away slate with a 31-24 win over the Detroit Lions, posting a 6-2 road mark.

Earning a playoff berth at 10-6, the Cardinals took home a thrilling 51-45 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card game, setting up a date with the Saints in New Orleans in the divisional round.

Arizona’s hopes of returning to the Super Bowl were dashed, though, as New Orleans cruised to a 45-14 win behind signal caller Drew Brees’ three-touchdown showing.

2015

Divisional road record: 3-0

Overall road record: 7-1

End result: Conference championship loss to the Carolina Panthers (49-15)

After winning a combined four divisional games on the road from 2010-14, the Cardinals caught fire in 2015.

Throwing up 40-point efforts in wins against the Bears in Week 2 (48-23) and Lions in Week 5 (42-17), Arizona was rolling to start the season.

Outside of a 25-13 loss to the Steelers in Week 5, the Cardinals had little trouble on the road, winning their final four road games of the season, capped off by a 40-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and a 3-0 finish against the NFC West.

Once again, the Cardinals met with the Packers in the postseason after going 13-3, and Arizona walked away victorious 26-20 in overtime in the divisional round of the playoffs.

The same couldn’t be said against MVP quarterback Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers in the conference championship, however, who steamrolled the Cardinals 49-15 to advance to Super Bowl 50.

The Cardinals have yet to return to the postseason since 2015.

2016

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Divisional road record: 3-0

Overall road record: 3-5

End result: Missed playoffs at 7-8-1

Year 4 of the Bruce Arians era ended up being one the team’s best seasons on the road against the division. After that, the success drops off considerably.

Arizona suffered a pair of tough losses to the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 (33-18) and the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12 (38-19) on its way to a 3-5 road finish.

The away mark did the team no favors in terms of cracking the postseason, missing the playoffs at 7-8-1.

It would also mark the penultimate season for Arians as the Cardinals head coach.

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (86) runs with the ball after a pass reception as Seattle Seahawks' Jordyn Brooks pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals' Chandler Jones, bottom, as Cardinals' Markus Golden (44) moves in on top during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, right, is sacked by Arizona Cardinals' Chandler Jones during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) pushes off of Seattle Seahawks cornerback Sidney Jones during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner carries as Seattle Seahawks' Jordyn Brooks defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf looks on from the bench against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Seattle Seahawks' DeeJay Dallas, center, tosses aside the ball as he gets up from the pile after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett reaches to make a long catch against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner kneels in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks late in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner runs in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks late in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson runs off the field after his team lost to the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Zach Ertz #86 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with Rodney Hudson #61 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 21, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) Arizona Cardinals' Rondale Moore (4) is upended by Seattle Seahawks'Jason Myers on a kick return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. The Cardinals won 23-13. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals running back Eno Benjamin (26) dives for the end zone against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. Benjamin was ruled down earlier on the play. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., left, stands near the bench late in the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Seattle Seahawks' Tyler Lockett sits on the bench late in the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals' James Conner smiles as he heads off the field after his team defeated the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals fans cheer after their team beat the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. The Cardinals won 23-13. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Colt McCoy #12 of the Arizona Cardinals throws the ball during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 21, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) Seattle Seahawks Jordyn Brooks (56) and Sidney Jones (23) bring down Arizona Cardinals' James Conner during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks' Bobby Wagner during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals' Zach Ertz heads into the end zone to score a touchdown as Seattle Seahawks' Sidney Jones defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) holds onto the ball for a catch but is ruled out of bounds as Arizona Cardinals' Marco Wilson defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore runs with the ball after a pass reception against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, right, hands off to running back Alex Collins against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Washington state Army National Guard helicopters fly over the stadium before an NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals during a Salute to Service event, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals' Zach Ertz is surrounded by Seattle Seahawks defenders after a pass reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Seattle Seahawks' Quandre Diggs, left, reaches for Arizona Cardinals' Antoine Wesley (85) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Washington state Army National Guard helicopters fly over the stadium before an NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals during a Salute to Service event, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy scrambles against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Seattle Seahawks' Alex Collins (41) carries against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury talks with officials during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) kicks a field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals' Zach Ertz (86) aims for a hole against the Seattle Seahawks as he runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Seattle Seahawks' Jordyn Brooks, right, chases Arizona Cardinals' James Conner during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals Colt McCoy throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals' Zach Ertz (86) scores against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy readies a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (5) is congratulated by Andy Lee (14) on Prater's 53-yard field goal against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, bottom left, is sacked by Arizona Cardinals' Isaiah Simmons (9) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore runs with the ball after a reception as Seattle Seahawks' Bobby Wagner (54) moves in during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (86) scores against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Seagulls share bleachers with fans before an NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy throws the ball before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson warms up before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Colt McCoy #12 of the Arizona Cardinals throws the ball during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 21, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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