Head coach Ken Whisenhunt Owner Bill Bidwill Division place 4th NFC West | General manager Rod Graves Record 5–11 | |
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Home field University of Phoenix Stadium | ||
The 2012 Arizona Cardinals season was the franchise's 93rd season in the National Football League and the 25th in Arizona. After a surprising 4–0 start, the Cardinals lost 11 of their final 12 games, and missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season, resulting in the firing of head coach Ken Whisenhunt after six seasons.
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Regular season
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.Week 1: vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Cardinals began their season at home against their divisional rival Seahawks with QB John Skelton at the starting helm. The team started their season 1–0 despite Skelton finishing the game 14/28 for 149 yards and an interception. Kevin Kolb later on made his Cards debut going 6/8 for 66 yards and a touchdown pass.
Week 2: at New England Patriots
In a huge upset at Gillette Stadium, the Arizona Cardinals beat the New England Patriots and become 2–0. This was the Cardinals' first win against the Patriots since 1991.
Week 6: vs. Buffalo Bills
With the tough loss, the Cardinals fell to 4–2 and also with the Seahawks' win over the Patriots and the 49ers' loss to the Giants, the team remains in a tie for first place in the NFC West.
Week 9: at Green Bay Packers
Losing their fifth straight game of the season by remaining winless at Lambeau Field (0–7), the Cardinals head into their bye week at 4–5.
Week 14: at Seattle Seahawks
With that loss, the Cardinals were not only eliminated from postseason contention and also falling to 4–9, but the 58-point loss was the worst in the Cardinals' franchise history. They had 8 turnovers, which was the most that the Cardinals have ever committed in a game.