At 6-1, the Arizona Cardinals are one of the best teams in the NFL right now. They are first place in the division that contains both last year's Super Bowl Champions and the NFC runner-up. But what is their identity. Hopefully, for owner Michael Bidwill, it includes a reputation for winning. Though the Cards have achieved 10 wins in a single season just twice since 1994, they are poised to capture the NFC West this year if they hold steady. With presumably the best cornerback in the NFL in Patrick Peterson, Arizona are quietly rebranding their team as an elite force in the NFC West.
The Cardinals are starting to see some significant changes in the Phoenix/Glendale area, like increased ticket sales (89 straight sold out home games) to higher TV ratings and merchandise sales, local pride is one significant factor in the rebuilding of the program's reputation (via LA Times):
"What we want to build is something that year in and year out has sustained success... I don't think you can just take a snapshot at a given point and say, 'We're finally there.' ... We're always looking to the next Sunday."
The other part of the equation is winning games. The Cardinals are quietly taking over the NFC West, and are looking at back-to-back seasons with double digits in the win column, thanks in large part to their defense led by Patrick Peterson (via NJ.com):
"I think he's one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He's one of the best corners I've ever gone up against. I have a lot of respect for him. He's a fantastic athlete. He has great ball-skills. He's as athletic as he needs to be. It'll be a big task for us because he's a great opponent and he'll bring his 'A-game.' He always does."
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