We're planning to stick a fork in heart of the Arizona Cardinals later today, but the proud band of players on that team aren't sitting around clicking refresh on NFL.com -- and they haven't given up on the season.
Linebacker Daryl Washington and defensive end Calais Campbell both told The Arizona Republic the 4-6 Cardinals -- losers of six straight -- are about to spin magic by winning out to finish 10-6.
"The season is never over until it's over," Washington said. "As easily as we've lost six straight, we can easily win six games in a row. Is it tough to do in the NFL? Yes, it will be. But I think these guys are still positive around here and I'm positive in believing we can finish the season off strong."
Minor positives -- the return of running back Beanie Wells and, eventually, quarterback Kevin Kolb -- are something to point to, but the Cardinals have struggled to play complete football. The mega-skid is legitimate, but Campbell chooses to dream:
"We know we can beat anybody that we play, so if we get that one win that sparks us, we're going to try and go on a run here and make a push for the playoffs. I think 10 wins usually gets you in the playoffs. It's going to be hard to win six games in a row, but it's very possible."
There is a dash of historical precedent. Last year's Cardinals turned 1-6 into 8-8 with a feverish stretch run that built optimism heading into this season. Much of that had to do with a softer NFC West, a division that's been transformed into a bully. Arizona's problems begin at home in 2012. The Cardinals have exhibited core weaknesses on both sides of the ball. Until they learn to take care of business, a turnaround seems unlikely.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
