Cardinals understand the importance of fast starts in playoff picture

Sep 20, 2015, 2:36 PM

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his touchdown reception against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

BY CRAIG MORGAN

Arizona Sports

The Cardinals learned the significance of slow starts in Bruce Arians’ first year as coach. A 3-4 start in 2013 left Arizona on the outside looking in at the playoffs despite a 10-6 final record.

Last season, a 9-1 start pushed the Cardinals (11-5) into the postseason for the first time since 2009, and Arians has stated often that another quick start will be critical in a tough 2015 NFC playoff race.

The Cardinals took another stride toward that goal with a 48-23 win over the Bears in Chicago, improving to 2-0. How vital is that to the playoff picture? Not as important as you might think.

Since 2007, 66 teams have started 2-0. Just 38 (58 percent) made it to the postseason while 28 missed. It’s next week’s home game against the San Francisco 49ers that could really boost the Cardinals’ odds. From 1990-2013, 75 percent of the teams that started 3-0 made the postseason. Last season, only the Cardinals and Bengals started 3-0 and both made the postseason.

There are numerous other factors at play in a team’s playoff quest, most notably injuries, like the ACL tear that QB Carson Palmer suffered last season that derailed any hopes the Cardinals had of playing the Super Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Still, a win over the 49ers (and even the following week against the Rams) would go a long way toward punching Arizona’s ticket. As for the odds of wins in those next two games, keep in mind that Arizona is 14-3 at home under Arians.

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Arizona Cardinals kick returner David Johnson returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

Arizona Cardinals kick returner David Johnson (31) runs the opening kickoff or a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defenders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs the ball with Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kevin Minter (51) giving chase during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Military jets do a flyover during pregame ceremonies before an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (55) sticks out his tongue before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hands off to running back Matt Forte (22) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals kick returner David Johnson (31) runs the opening kickoff for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears receiver Josh Bellamy (11) runs for a touchdown after a pass reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy, right, celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Marquess Wilson (10) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy (11) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, center, and wide receiver Josh Bellamy (11) celebrate a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals linebacker Alex Okafor (57) walks off during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Chicago Bears safety Adrian Amos (38) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) runs between Chicago Bears linebacker Shea McClellin (50), cornerback Sherrick McManis (27) and cornerback Alan Ball (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) dives to the end zone for a touchdown past Chicago Bears safety Adrian Amos (38) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) rushes against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) scrambles away from Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins (96) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians argues a call with head linesman John McGrath (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) makes a catch under pressure from Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (33) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) rushes as Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson (22) chases after him during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his touchdown reception against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Arizona Cardinals safety Deone Bucannon (20) strips the ball away from Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bears head coach John Fox celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) reacts after making a first down against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bears quarterback Jimmy Clausen (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (91) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bears cornerback Alan Ball (24) reacts to a pass interference call against him during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears cornerback Alan Ball (24) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. The play was called interference against the Bears. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears head coach John Fox congratulates running back Jeremy Langford (33) after his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a touchdown reception against Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bears quarterback Jimmy Clausen (8) hands off to running back Matt Forte (22) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bears linebacker Jared Allen (69) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson (22) celebrates after intercepting a pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson (22) celebrates a touchdown after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Chicago Bears quarterback Jimmy Clausen (8) throws a pass that was intercepted by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a touchdown reception against Chicago Bears linebacker Shea McClellin (50) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates a touchdown reception with running back Chris Johnson (23) and offensive tackle Earl Watford during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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