CINCINNATI – Players and coaches can feel it, and certainly Vance Joseph has as both a player, assistant coach and head coach – the defensive coordinator noting the euphoria that comes with a win in the NFL that makes a team feel like they won't lose again, or the gut punch of a loss that can make victories feel impossible.
The notion is relayed to nose tackle Corey Peters, who nods his head and allows a half-smile.
"It's so hard to win," Peters said. "That's why, no matter how it looks, no matter what the score, it's a dogfight out there.
"When you can get a win, no matter how it comes, it always makes everything better. It makes the next week easier. It makes it easier to go out and practice, more energy, everything. We say we start over every week, but everything carries over. It's like when you get into a fight with your wife. Y'all make up, but for a couple days, you know, the dinner comes a little later, she rolls the eyes a little more. You know?"
The Cardinals play the Bengals Sunday in a game in which both teams – winless over the first month of the season – are desperate to make things just a little bit easier with a win.
What has been frustrating is feeling of losing ground over the season – a near-win in the opener that ended in a tie and a one-possession loss in Baltimore when the Cards had the ball with a chance to win before an eventual meltdown loss to the Panthers and a game-long slog against the Seahawks – as an overall arc even while rookie coach Kliff Kingsbury and rookie quarterback Kyler Murray learn on the fly.
"I don't think anybody's discouraged by what's happened the past four weeks," Murray said. "We've been in position to win some of those games, if not all of them, but that's how we feel. Going into this one, obviously, everyone feels like it's a must-win. Every game is a must-win, but this one especially just because it's the next one. We haven't won a game yet, so everyone feels like that."
The Cardinals (0-3-1) are seeking their first win after four games for a second straight year. Last season, they went to San Francisco at 0-4 before notching their first win, on the road. Those are the only two seasons since the team has been in Arizona they didn't get at least one victory in the first quarter of the season.
The Bengals are in the same place. Reeling after a blowout loss to the previously winless Steelers, Cincinnati is trying to get a win for first-year coach Zac Taylor. The Bengals played well in the opener against the Seahawks before falling by a point and haven't been able to get traction since. Like the Cardinals, they have battled injuries, with top two receivers A.J. Green and John Ross (IR) and left tackle Cordy Glenn all missing the game against the Cards.
"It's unfortunate that we're 0-4, but we're not discouraged," Taylor said. "We still have a very positive outlook on the way the season can go."
Neither side will have sympathy for the other. The Cardinals won't have wide receiver Christian Kirk, and it's undecided whether starters like linebacker Terrell Suggs (back), cornerback Tramaine Brock (back) or guard Justin Pugh (shoulder) will play.
"You want these guys to feel that based upon the effort they put in for the last month," coach Kliff Kingsbury said. "They really have played hard and been in games and fought to the end and all the positive things you want from your team. We just haven't been able to close one. Obviously, for those guys you really want it."
Photos of Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill over the years
Bill Bidwill, Michael Bidwill and Karlos Dansby after winning the NFC Championship.
Bill Bidwill talks with former player and coach Johnny Roland and his family.
Bill Bidwill at the construction site of the Cardinals' new stadium circa 2004.
Bill Bidwill talks to reporters after winning the NFC Championship game.
Bill Bidwill with first-round pick Beanie Wells and GM Rod Graves in 2009.
Bill Bidwill before Super Bowl 43.
Bill Bidwill when Kurt Warner signed with the Cardinals in 2005.
Bill Bidwill as State Farm Stadium was being built circa 2005.
Bill Bidwill and then-NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle talking about the franchise's move to Arizona in 1988.
Bill Bidwill flanked by tackle Dan Dierdorf (72) and quarterback Jim Hart (17) in the 1970s.
Bill Bidwill working the Cardinals' annual "Feed The Hungry" event at Phoenix Rescue Mission.
Bill Bidwill relaxing in a hammock at home.
Bill Bidwill in a hard hat at the stadium construction site.
Bill Bidwill talks with a fan at the team's Kickoff Luncheon.
Bill Bidwill sits with Senator John McCain and son Michael in Flagstaff at training camp.
Bill Bidwill celebrates the winning field goal after the Cardinals clinched a playoff spot in 1998 at Sun Devil Stadium.
The Bidwill family in St. Louis: (from left) Patrick, Bill, Bill Jr., Michael, Nancy, Tim and Nicole.
Bill Bidwill
Bill and wife Nancy with a couple of kids at a charity function.
Bill Bidwill and then-Eagles owner Norman Braman in the 1980s.
Bill Bidwill with first-round draft pick running back Ottis Anderson in 1979.
Bill Bidwill at the signing of running back Emmitt Smith in 2003.
Bill Bidwill with a picture of his father Charles.
Bill Bidwill giving back to the community.
Bill Bidwill on the sideline during a game in the 1970s.
Bill Bidwill and Larry Fitzgerald.
Bill Bidwill hoists the Halas Trophy after the Cardinals won the NFC Championship in 2008.
Bill Bidwill talks with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in 2011.
Bill Bidwill before a road game.
Bill Bidwill in his younger days.
Bill Bidwill and GM Rod Graves during training camp in Flagstaff.
Bill Bidwill gives a speech.
Bill Bidwill enjoying the NFC Championship in 2008.
Bill and Nancy Bidwill.
Adrian Wilson and Bill Bidwill.
Bill Bidwill
Bill Bidwill watches from a golf cart during training camp in Flagstaff.
Bill Bidwill celebrates the NFL awarding the 2007 Super Bowl to Arizona.
Bill Bidwill arriving at Super Bowl 43.
Bill Bidwill, Michael Bidwill and commissioner Roger Goodell at Super Bowl 43.
Bill Bidwill, first-round pick Larry Fitzgerald and coach Dennis Green in 2004.
Michael, Bill and Tim Bidwill.
Bill Bidwill and defensive end Chike Okeafor talk after the 2008 NFC Championship.
Bill Bidwill meets some fans.
Michael Bidwill, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Bill Bidwill.
Running back Marcel Shipp and Bill Bidwill have fun at a charity cookout.
Bill Bidwill and Michael Bidwill.
Bill Bidwill.
Michael Bidwill, Dan Rooney, Bill Bidwill and Art Rooney II, NFL legacy families.
Deion Sanders interviews Bill Bidwill on Super Bowl media day.
Larry Wilson, Nancy Bidwill, Nancy Wilson and Bill Bidwill.
Tim, Michael and Bill Bidwill.
Bill Bidwill, Michael Bidwill and Hall of Famer Charley Trippi.
Bill Bidwill
Bill and Nancy Bidwill.
Bill Bidwill and Coyotes great Shane Doan.
Bill Bidwill.
The Bidwill family gathers at the ring ceremony for the NFC Championship.
Commissioner Roger Goodell, Michael Bidwill and Bill Bidwill.
Bill Bidwill meets some fans.
The Bidwill family at the NFC Championship ring ceremony in 2009.
