Losing is not fun. Anybody that loves to win would admit that.

But falling in one-score outcomes when only a handful of plays make the difference are the heart-breakers. The Cardinals have experienced those disappointing losses, including on Saturday against the Rams when five yards would’ve changed the complexion of the game.

That's the tough pill to swallow.

"You never know what's going to turn the tide in a game and what plays are going to be critical to winning and losing the game," coach Jonathan Gannon said. "They all matter. What we do on a daily basis, how we're operating, how we're behaving, from meetings to the weight room to walk-through to practice to full speed. Everything."

The Cardinals started their season 1-2, with both losses coming in one-score games. In the month of October, the Cardinals were 3-0 with the game on the line. Since then, they've gone 0-3 with losses to the Vikings and back-to-back weeks with the Panthers and Rams.

While the results from the past games can't change, it's fair to acknowledge the Cardinals are only a few plays away from playing beyond this weekend.

"It's been a theme with Minnesota, Detroit, Buffalo," wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. said. "We're right there and we haven't been able to do it. But I think we played a lot of good teams this year and we've been right in the mix and took them to the wire. And Seattle twice. It's tough but I think we're right there and that's kind of encouraging."

Harrison Jr. played his best game since Week 2 against the Rams, hauling in six receptions for 96 yards. Gannon shared that he challenged the rookie to be deliberate at practice, which ultimately helped him over the weekend. Similar performances will certainly help the Cardinals as they hope to double their 2023 win total on Sunday and go into the offseason with confidence.

Tight end Trey McBride remained a bright spot for the Cardinals offense, continuing to make a case for his first Pro Bowl selection. He eclipsed over 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards on the season. It's the late game interception thrown in his direction that'll be the lasting impression in the defeat.

But moments like that are what the staff is harping on as the difference maker with the season finale on the horizon.

"I feel like we're closer to being able to win more games than what we have done," Gannon said. "I know it's a bottom line business. I understand that and I'm the first one to tell you that, but I think it's very evident and clear where we want to be and how we need to get there."