Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon preaches consistency day in and day out. It’s so obviously important but repetitive that the mantra can be a boring message.
However, in his time on the job and putting the roster together with general manager Monti Ossenfort, it can be seen that it’s working because his players parrot the head coach, yes, day in and day out. That always reminds me of something Hall of Fame head coach Dick Vermeil would always say: “You have to be believed to be heard.”
And this team believes.
After Sunday’s 29-9 beatdown of the Chicago Bears, which resulted in a 5-4 record and sole possession of first place in the NFC West, it could have been a time to take up residence on Cloud 9 with a sense of accomplishment.
And while there was a certain amount of that, there was also the knowledge of the work that still has to be done.
When quarterback Kyler was asked about being over .500 and having won three consecutive games, he said, “I’m not really too worried about being over .500 or 5-4. I’m just focused on the next day and the next game. Today was good. We got a win, and we’ve got to go do it again.”
So, James Conner what does winning three straight mean to the team?
The running back said, simply, “More work ahead. We’re going to put all of our focus into New York this week and try to do it again.”
That meshed (surprise, surprise) with what Gannon said when he was the first to stand behind the podium after the game. Asked about what it is about the team that has enabled them to go on a run, he said, “I wouldn’t say it’s a run; that was just Round 9. I think Round 10 is tomorrow, the most important day we’ve had all year. That’s the way they’ll approach it, but I think with what I just said, is that’s what’s allowing us to win games. We take one day at a time, every second counts, maximize the day, keep blinders on and go about your business.
“Display winning behavior on a consistent day-to-day basis and you’ll give yourself a chance to win the game. I think probably why that’s happening is the leadership in the locker room. From the captains; we’ve got a bunch of leaders on that team. They don’t allow any (expletive). Not that we have a lot, but every once in a while, I’ll get out of alignment too. You have to bring everybody (back) in, and they’re doing a really good job of staying connected, being accountable and doing the right things.”
Gannon doesn’t believe strictly in momentum, but he did say, “I think when you see all three phases executing at a high level, every game’s going to be played different, but the confidence of executing at a high level and making a bunch of plays within the team, that does carry over. I think we’re starting to get to that point where they know if we – they’ve always known this but they’re doing it. They’re playing, they’re making plays, they’re connected. They’re doing what they’re coached to do. We do some smart things that a lot of people don’t even realize what’s going on.
“Not to say you guys don’t know what’s going on, but I’m saying protecting the football off an explosive play. ‘Higgy Bear’ (tight end Elijah Higgins) comes to my mind. The boot that he catches, he reverses field. Here comes, ‘JJ’ (Bears cornerback Jaylon Jones) going to try to strip him. He covers up because he knows the guy is behind him. That stuff wins. That’s why I always tell them if we just keep (up the) winning behavior on a day-to-day basis, you’ll give yourself a chance to win the game, and we’re doing it.”
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