Introduction
The term “Cardinals standings” refers to two prominent teams in the world of American sports: the St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL). Both teams are staples in their respective leagues, and their standings are of significant interest to fans, analysts, and the sports community. In this article, we will delve into the recent standings of both teams, their performance in the 2024 seasons, key players, and factors that contributed to their results.
Cardinals Standings
The St. Louis Cardinals, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, are known for their rich history and consistent competitiveness in the NL Central division. The 2024 MLB season, however, was a year of mixed results for the team, as they navigated through challenges that ultimately left them with a record of 83 wins and 79 losses. Although the team fell short of playoff contention, their performance provides important insights into their future trajectory.
A Season of Promise and Struggles
The Cardinals began the 2024 season with high hopes, boasting a roster filled with talent across multiple positions. Yet, despite solid performances from key players like Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, the team struggled with consistency, particularly on the mound. The pitching staff, often a strength for the Cardinals, faced difficulties in maintaining quality throughout the season. Injuries also played a significant role, with several key players missing extended periods of time.
Their final standing, 83-79, placed them tied for second in the NL Central, a position that reflects both their potential and the shortcomings that kept them from reaching the postseason. The Cardinals finished 7 games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, and while they remained competitive throughout the season, the team’s lack of consistency in clutch moments ultimately cost them a spot in the playoffs.
Key Players and Performances
Despite the team’s struggles, several players stood out during the 2024 season. Veteran stars like Arenado and Goldschmidt remained consistent forces in the lineup, providing leadership and production. Goldschmidt, in particular, had another impressive season, with a .290 batting average and 25 home runs, while Arenado continued to be a defensive stalwart at third base and contributed offensively with 28 home runs and 100 RBIs.
Young players also stepped up, with Alec Burleson showing flashes of brilliance as he adjusted to the major league level. One of the most promising developments for the Cardinals came in the form of rookie pitcher Michael McGreevy, who displayed poise and skill as he worked his way through a challenging season. McGreevy’s ability to perform in high-leverage situations gives Cardinals fans hope for the future, as he is expected to be a key part of the rotation moving forward.
On the pitching front, Jack Flaherty, a former ace, struggled to find his form, while Jordan Montgomery, who had been traded to the team mid-season, showed flashes of brilliance. The inconsistency in the rotation ultimately hindered the team’s ability to string together long winning streaks, something that would have been crucial in their bid for a playoff spot.
A Tough Division and the Road Ahead
The NL Central division in 2024 was highly competitive, with the Milwaukee Brewers emerging as the division champions. The Brewers, who finished with a 90-72 record, were followed closely by the Cincinnati Reds and the Cardinals. While the Cardinals were competitive, they lacked the finishing power needed to overtake the top teams in the division. The central division’s dominance in pitching and timely hitting put the Cardinals at a disadvantage, especially given their struggles in the bullpen.
Looking forward to the 2025 season, the Cardinals will likely focus on bolstering their pitching staff, especially the bullpen, which was a weak spot in 2024. With a solid core of players, the team will look to build on the development of young talent like McGreevy, as well as address some of their pitching woes.
Wiki
| Category | Details |
| Team | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Record | 83-79 |
| Division | NL Central |
| Division Rank | 2nd |
| Games Behind | 7 games behind Milwaukee Brewers |
| Key Players | Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, Alec Burleson, Jack Flaherty, Michael McGreevy |
| Offensive Leaders | Paul Goldschmidt (AVG: .290, 25 HRs) |
| Pitching Leaders | Jordan Montgomery, Michael McGreevy |
| Postseason Status | Did not make playoffs |
| Key Issues | Inconsistent pitching, injuries, lack of clutch performances |
Arizona Cardinals (NFL) Standings
The Arizona Cardinals, another team with a proud legacy, have faced their own set of challenges during the 2024 NFL season. Finishing with a record of 8 wins and 9 losses, the Cardinals placed third in the NFC West division. The NFC West, known for its fierce competition, is one of the most difficult divisions in the NFL, and the Cardinals found themselves caught in a tight race with the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers.
A Season of Missed Opportunities
The Arizona Cardinals’ 2024 season was one filled with promise but marred by missed opportunities. While the team managed to win some key games, including an impressive victory over the NFC West-leading 49ers in the final week of the regular season, they were often on the losing end of close matchups that could have propelled them into playoff contention.
Much of the season’s struggle can be attributed to inconsistency at the quarterback position and a lack of sustained momentum throughout the year. Kyler Murray, who had been a dynamic force for the team in previous seasons, missed several games due to injury, and when he returned, he was not at his best. Backup quarterbacks struggled to find rhythm, and the offense often sputtered in critical moments.
Key Players and Breakout Performances
Despite the ups and downs of the season, there were standout performances from key players. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins remained one of the league’s premier talents, consistently providing a reliable target for whichever quarterback was under center. Hopkins ended the season with over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns, a testament to his skill and ability to perform despite the team’s struggles.
Defensively, the Cardinals were led by linebacker Isaiah Simmons, who proved to be a disruptive force in both the pass rush and coverage. Simmons’ versatility on defense allowed him to contribute in a variety of ways, making him one of the standout players on the roster. Jalen Thompson, the safety, also had an impressive season, providing stability in the secondary and making key plays throughout the year.
The team’s running game was another bright spot, with James Conner remaining a steady presence in the backfield. Conner’s ability to grind out tough yards and find the end zone helped keep the offense afloat during a season of uncertainty at quarterback.
Competition in the NFC West
The NFC West in 2024 was incredibly competitive, with the Los Angeles Rams clinching the division title with a 10-7 record. The San Francisco 49ers, despite several injuries to key players, finished second in the division with a 9-8 record, edging out the Cardinals in a tight race for playoff contention. The Seattle Seahawks, who also finished with a 9-8 record, proved to be a formidable opponent throughout the season.
The Cardinals’ 8-9 record, while respectable, left them on the outside looking in when it came to playoff positioning. The team struggled with consistency in divisional games, which ultimately cost them a chance to challenge for the postseason. Close losses to division rivals, combined with the team’s inability to put together extended winning streaks, were the primary factors that kept the Cardinals from finishing higher in the standings.
Looking to the Future
As the Arizona Cardinals head into the 2025 season, there are several areas that will need to be addressed if the team hopes to return to playoff contention. The quarterback position will be a key focus, with Murray’s health and performance a central concern. The team’s offensive line will also need to improve to give the quarterbacks better protection and to open up running lanes for Conner and other backs.
Defensively, the Cardinals have a solid core, but they will need to continue developing their young players, particularly in the secondary and linebacker positions. With continued development, the team could find themselves more competitive in a tough division.
The Road Ahead for Both Cardinals Teams
Both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Arizona Cardinals have faced challenges in recent seasons. While the St. Louis Cardinals’ journey in 2024 was one of resilience and promise despite their failure to reach the playoffs, the Arizona Cardinals ended their season in a similarly competitive fashion, with several key games slipping away. Both teams are looking to improve their rosters and make significant strides in the upcoming seasons, as they continue to build toward future success. The development of young talent, the resolution of key positions, and the ability to perform in crucial moments will determine the path forward for both teams. Fans can only hope that the 2025 seasons will bring new hope and renewed success for these iconic franchises.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “Cardinals standings” for both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Arizona Cardinals in 2024 reflect the competitive nature of both MLB and NFL leagues. The St. Louis Cardinals, despite a promising roster, fell short of securing a playoff spot, primarily due to pitching struggles and inconsistency throughout the season. However, with several young talents emerging and experienced players maintaining solid performances, the team’s future remains bright, with hopes of returning to contention in the near future.
Similarly, the Arizona Cardinals faced challenges in the tough NFC West division, finishing with a respectable 8-9 record. Despite standout performances from key players like Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins, and Isaiah Simmons, inconsistency at the quarterback position and missed opportunities in divisional matchups prevented them from advancing to the playoffs. Moving forward, the team will need to focus on strengthening key areas, especially the quarterback position, to become a more formidable contender in future seasons.
Both teams continue to be pillars of their respective leagues, and fans of the Cardinals are eagerly anticipating the improvements that will come in the 2025 seasons. With the right adjustments, both the St. Louis and Arizona Cardinals could once again rise to prominence and compete at the highest levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the current standings for the St. Louis Cardinals in MLB?
As of the 2024 MLB season, the St. Louis Cardinals finished with a record of 83 wins and 79 losses. They placed second in the NL Central division, behind the Milwaukee Brewers, and did not qualify for the playoffs.
2. How did the Arizona Cardinals perform in the 2024 NFL season?
The Arizona Cardinals finished the 2024 NFL season with a record of 8 wins and 9 losses, placing third in the NFC West division. Despite strong individual performances from players like Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins, the team struggled with consistency and was unable to secure a playoff spot.
3. What were the key reasons for the St. Louis Cardinals’ struggles in 2024?
The St. Louis Cardinals struggled in 2024 primarily due to pitching inconsistency and injuries to key players. Despite strong offensive performances from Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, the pitching staff, including the bullpen, failed to maintain a high level of performance throughout the season.
4. Who were the standout players for the Arizona Cardinals in 2024?
Standout players for the Arizona Cardinals in 2024 included wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who had over 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, linebacker Isaiah Simmons, who played a key role in the defense, and running back James Conner, who was consistent in the backfield.
5. What are the expectations for both the St. Louis and Arizona Cardinals in 2025?
Both teams are expected to make improvements in key areas heading into the 2025 season. For the St. Louis Cardinals, strengthening the pitching rotation and building on the development of young players will be crucial. For the Arizona Cardinals, resolving the quarterback position and bolstering the offensive line will be key to becoming a more competitive team in the NFC West.
6. How competitive is the NFC West division for the Arizona Cardinals?
The NFC West division is one of the most competitive in the NFL, featuring teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams. In 2024, the Cardinals faced tough competition, which contributed to their inability to make the playoffs, despite their strong individual performances.
7. What should the St. Louis Cardinals focus on for the future?
For the future, the St. Louis Cardinals need to focus on bolstering their pitching staff, particularly the bullpen, which was a weak spot in 2024. Additionally, the continued development of young talents like Michael McGreevy will be important to solidify the team’s rotation and competitive edge in the NL Central.
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