The Arizona Cardinals were dealt a harsh blow in their Week 14 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, suffering a heavy loss that further dampened their playoff hopes. The final score, which ended with a wide margin, left coaches and players alike frustrated, but it was the lack of effort that seemed to weigh heaviest on the minds of head coach Jonathan Gannon and his staff.
A Brutal Loss
The Cardinals’ defeat to the Seahawks was more than just a loss on the scoreboard—it was a statement game that exposed some glaring issues within the team. Arizona struggled in nearly every phase of the game, from defense to offense, leading to a blowout that left fans and analysts questioning the team’s readiness for the remainder of the season.
Despite some promising moments earlier in the season, the Cardinals’ performance against Seattle was far from competitive. A lackluster offensive display, coupled with defensive lapses, allowed the Seahawks to dominate from start to finish. The frustration boiled over in the post-game press conference, where head coach Jonathan Gannon did not hold back in his assessment of his team’s performance.
“Effort Is Not Optional”
Gannon, visibly upset, pointed out that the defeat was not simply a matter of talent or strategy, but of the effort put forth on the field. “We can handle mistakes, we can handle tough breaks, but what we can’t handle is a lack of effort,” he said. “This is the NFL, and every team is going to give their best. If we’re not matching that, we don’t stand a chance.”
It was a rare moment of unfiltered frustration from Gannon, who typically maintains a calm and composed demeanor. He made it clear that the team’s effort—or lack thereof—was the central issue. “If we don’t bring it every week, if we don’t fight for every inch, we’re going to be in trouble. It’s something that we need to look at and address immediately.”
Player Accountability
The call for more effort wasn’t limited to the coaching staff. Several players, including veteran leaders, took responsibility for the lackluster performance. Quarterback Kyler Murray, who had a rough outing, admitted that the team didn’t execute at the level necessary to compete against a team like the Seahawks.
“We know what we’re capable of, but we didn’t show it out there today,” Murray said. “It’s on all of us. We have to look ourselves in the mirror and get back to what we know works. This isn’t who we are, and we need to turn it around fast.”
Defensive players, including star linebacker Isaiah Simmons, echoed similar sentiments. “We didn’t show the fight we needed. We didn’t execute, and we didn’t fight for each other,” Simmons said. “That starts with me, and we need to do better—there’s no excuse.”
The Fallout and What’s Next
The Cardinals’ loss to the Seahawks has added extra pressure to a team already struggling with consistency. At 4-9, Arizona’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, and the loss to a division rival in such a dominant fashion has raised serious questions about the team’s trajectory.
With several key matchups remaining in the season, including games against playoff-bound teams, the Cardinals need to quickly refocus if they hope to finish strong. The upcoming weeks will determine whether the team can rebound or if the season will spiral further downward.
The coaching staff is clearly emphasizing a shift in mentality. For Gannon and his players, it’s now about more than just X’s and O’s—it’s about heart, effort, and determination. The coaches’ message after the Seahawks loss is loud and clear: “If we’re going to salvage this season, it starts with a complete change in our approach and how we fight every single play.”
Conclusion
The Arizona Cardinals’ loss to the Seahawks in Week 14 was a wake-up call. The coaching staff’s frustration over the lack of effort on display served as a harsh reminder of what’s at stake. The team has the talent to compete, but they must now prove they have the will to match it. The road ahead is difficult, but with a renewed focus on effort and execution, the Cardinals still have a chance to finish the season strong—if they choose to.
