What Is 2015 Arizona Cardinals football team

Overview

The 2015 Arizona Cardinals were one of the most successful teams in franchise history, posting an 11-5 record during the regular season and capturing the NFC West title. Under head coach Bruce Arians, the team showcased a high-powered offense led by quarterback Carson Palmer, who delivered one of the best statistical seasons of his career.

The Cardinals' strong performance earned them the second seed in the NFC playoffs, giving them a first-round bye and home-field advantage through the conference playoffs. Despite their dominance at home, their season ended in the NFC Championship Game with a decisive loss to the Carolina Panthers.

• Record: The Cardinals finished the regular season with an 11-5 record, their best win total since 1976.
• Division Title: They won the NFC West, edging out the Seattle Seahawks by one game in the final standings.
• Home Dominance: The team went a franchise-best 8-1 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
• Carson Palmer's Season: Palmer threw for 3,629 yards and a career-high 35 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions.
• Playoff Run: The Cardinals defeated the Green Bay Packers 26-20 in overtime in the Divisional Round before falling to Carolina.

How It Works

The 2015 Arizona Cardinals' success stemmed from a balanced offensive attack, a resilient defense, and strong leadership from head coach Bruce Arians. The team adapted well to injuries and maintained consistency throughout the season.

• Offensive Strategy: The Cardinals utilized a pass-heavy attack, with Carson Palmer averaging 7.2 yards per attempt and completing 64.8% of his passes.
• Key Receivers: Larry Fitzgerald had 90 receptions for 1,092 yards and six touchdowns, marking his best season since 2011.
• Running Game: David Johnson emerged as a dual-threat rookie, rushing for 879 yards and six touchdowns while adding 850 receiving yards.
• Defensive Performance: The defense ranked 10th in points allowed, surrendering only 19.0 points per game on average.
• Special Teams: Placekicker Chandler Catanzaro made 27 of 32 field goals, including a long of 56 yards, contributing crucial points.
• Coaching: Bruce Arians won NFL Coach of the Year in 2014 and continued to lead a disciplined, aggressive team culture in 2015.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2015 Cardinals to other top NFC teams highlights their strengths and weaknesses during the season and playoffs.

The table shows that while the Cardinals had a strong offensive output and solid defense, they were outmatched by the 15-1 Panthers in the NFC Championship Game. Carolina’s superior record and point differential highlighted their dominance, but Arizona’s 489 points scored ranked second in the NFC.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season represented the peak of the Cardinals’ modern era, marking their deepest playoff run since the 2008 season. It also solidified Carson Palmer’s legacy and launched David Johnson into stardom.

• Franchise Milestone: The team reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2008, reigniting playoff hopes in Arizona.
• David Johnson's Breakout: His 1,729 total yards and 8.1 yards per touch signaled a new era of offensive versatility.
• Carson Palmer's Legacy: At age 35, Palmer had a career-best season, throwing 35 touchdowns with a 104.6 passer rating.
• Defensive Growth: Under defensive coordinator James Bettcher, the unit improved significantly from previous years.
• Market Impact: The team’s success increased fan engagement and attendance, boosting local support for the franchise.
• Future Implications: The strong 2015 performance set expectations high for the following seasons, though injuries later derailed momentum.

The 2015 Arizona Cardinals remain a benchmark for success in the franchise’s recent history, remembered for their explosive offense and hard-fought playoff journey.