The Cardinals' offense experienced a revival in 2019, as both the passing and rushing attacks were demonstrably improved from the season prior. There were a lot of memorable offensive plays throughout the year, so it wasn't an easy decision, but here is a look at our top five:
5. Kyler Murray's Scramble To Beat Cincinnati
The situation: The Cardinals had a second-and-6 from the Cincinnati 39 with 51 seconds remaining in a game tied at 23.
The play: Murray looked to his left and prepared to throw, but running back Chase Edmonds fell down. Murray freelanced, bolting up the middle of the field. He easily evaded one defender before getting dragged down for a 24-yard gain, putting the Cardinals in field goal range.
The aftermath: Two plays later, Zane Gonzalez connected on a 31-yard field goal to give the Cardinals their first victory of the season. It was also the first career win for Murray and coach Kliff Kingsbury.
4. Larry Fitzgerald's Diving Snag Against The Lions
The situation: The Cardinals had a third-and-14 from their 22, trailing 24-6 with 13:46 left in the fourth quarter.
The play: A moribund offense was jolted to life, as Murray patiently waited in the pocket before unfurling a bomb to Fitzgerald, who changed directions and laid out for a terrific 41-yard catch. A failed third down in that situation would have made a comeback nearly impossible.
The aftermath: The Cardinals got a field goal on the drive, kickstarting a furious fourth-quarter comeback that eventually forced overtime. The Cardinals and Lions ended in a 27-27 tie.
3. Andy Isabella Speeds Past The 49ers
The situation: The Cardinals had a second-and-8 from their 12, trailing 28-17 with 5:09 left in the fourth quarter.
The play: The offense needed a quick score with time dwindling down, and Isabella delivered. The little-used rookie wideout ran across the field and Murray threw a laser over a leaping Emmanuel Moseley. Isabella stayed in-bounds and then stuck his foot in the ground to outrace several 49ers 88 yards to the end zone.
The aftermath: The touchdown drew the Cardinals within 28-25, but the defense was unable to get off the field as San Francisco held on for the tight victory.
2. Kyler Murray's Impromptu Touchdown Pass To Larry Fitzgerald In Seattle
The situation: The Cardinals had a second-and-7 at the Seattle 21 with 4:29 left in the second quarter of a 7-7 ballgame.
The play: Murray's initial read wasn't there, so he began scrambling around behind the line of scrimmage. Fitzgerald blocked for a potential quarterback run, until Murray decided at the last second to throw him a pass. Fitzgerald tipped it to himself, hauled it in, and then rumbled 21 yards for the score, bowling over K.J. Wright to get into the end zone.
The aftermath: The Cardinals took a lead they would never relinquish, as Fitzgerald's touchdown helped set the tone for an unlikely road upset of the Seahawks.
1. Kenyan Drake Leaves The Seahawks In His Wake
The situation: The Cardinals had a first-and-10 at their 20 with 8:45 left in the first quarter, trailing 7-0.
The play: The zone read worked well all season, and this one was the best of them all. Murray kept linebacker Mychal Kendricks at bay by faking a keep, and Drake followed some fantastic blocking through a huge hole. Seattle safety Lano Hill was the last line of defense, and Drake sped past him for the Cardinals' longest rushing touchdown since 2013.
The aftermath: Drake celebrated by opening an imaginary vault in the end zone, a nod to his upcoming free agency. He finished with 643 yards rushing and eight touchdowns in eight games with the Cardinals.
