An extensive rebuild by the Arizona Cardinals was expected to stretch into 2025 and possibly 2026 as second-year general manager Monti Ossenfort worked methodically to build a roster around star quarterback Kyler Murray.

A three-game winning streak carried the franchise ahead of schedule.

The Cardinals (5-4) dominated Sunday in the a 29-9 win over Chicago. Arizona never trailed, controlled the line of scrimmage and ground the Bears into submission.

The Blue Collars’ performance was one of the most impressive of second-year coach Jonathan Gannon’s tenure. Now the Cardinals are alone in first place in the NFC West, though it’s a crowded race with the last-place Seahawks just one game back.

“We’re taking it one day at a time, every second counts, maximizing the day, keeping an eye on you and minding your own business,” Gannon said. “Exhibit winning behavior consistently every day and you’ll give yourself a chance to win the game.”

Due in part to his recent winning streak, Ossenfort was aggressive before the trade deadline, adding linebacker Baron Browning from Denver in an effort to bolster the team’s pass rush. More moves are possible before Tuesday’s deadline.

On Sunday, the Cardinals won thanks to several players who are far from household names.

Emari Demercado ran for a 53-yard touchdown just before halftime. Young cornerbacks Garrett Williams and Max Melton had solid days against Chicago’s talented receivers. Linebacker Zaven Collins had two sacks to lead a defense that finished with six.

what’s up

The Cardinals ran the ball well once again with James Conner, Demercado and Trey Benson all making impressive plays. Arizona finished with 213 rushing yards.

The production was no accident. The Cardinals average about 150 yards per game on the ground, which ranks seventh in the NFL.

“I think it’s just how we come to work, the preparation and the scheme,” Conner said. “When (the offensive line) plays like that, all we have to do is put the ball in the right spot and we can be successful down the field.”

Which needs help

Murray completed just two passes to wide receivers on Sunday. The rest of his 11 completions went to runners or tight ends.

It went well, but there’s no question the Cardinals would like to get Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch more involved. Murray finished 13 of 20 through the air for 154 yards, but was disappointed to leave some layups down the field.

The Murray-Harrison connection is one to watch in the second half of the season.

“When you don’t have as many opportunities and you miss the ones you do have, it’s pretty frustrating,” Murray said. “But we’ll do them when we get them again.”

Supply

Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis had a big day on Sunday, welcoming the birth of his second child in the morning before his defense delivered a stellar performance. The 31-year-old has been able to make the Cardinals’ defense competitive despite injuries galore, especially on the defensive line.

The pass rush was lacking at times, but the Cardinals sacked Bears tight end Caleb Williams six times, which isn’t easy given Williams’ mobility.

“It’s been cool this week because we had a little bit of a back and forth on Tuesday about what to do against (Williams) because he’s a tough player to defend,” Gannon said. “They have good skill and I like (Rallis’) scheme and defense the way we attacked those guys.”

Stock down

Harrison continued his up-and-down rookie season. General election no. 4 had just two catches for 34 yards, and one of those was a 21-yard reception that immediately turned into a fumble.

“That’s part of the game,” Murray said. “He’s a rookie. We all fumbled. I launched intercepts. We all make physical mistakes. That will happen. He was trying to make a play (so I’m not too worried about it.”

It wasn’t all bad for Harrison. He is second on the team with 445 yards receiving and has caught a team-high five touchdowns. Next – finding consistency.

injury

The Cardinals came out of Sunday’s game pretty healthy. CB Sean Murphy-Bunting (neck) was inactive and the team is still awaiting the season debut of DL Darius Robinson (calf). RT Jonah Williams (knee) is close to returning after being ruled out for the opener.

Key numbers

5 — The Cardinals have already won more games this season than in each of the past two years, when they finished with a 4-13 record.

Next steps

The Cardinals will make it four straight when they host the New York Jets (3-6), who are coming off a win over Houston.

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AP NFL: