[1] Despite them shutting out three consecutive opponents (and holding a fourth, the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, without a touchdown in a 6–6 draw), they failed to reach the playoffs for the 22nd straight season, thanks to three consecutive losses in December.
The Cardinals entered their regular season finale at Washington needing to defeat the Redskins, plus for losses by the Cowboys (to the Oilers) and the Giants (to the Rams), to reach the playoffs.
It all became academic after the Cardinals lost 28-27 to the Redskins and the Cowboys mauled the Oilers 52–10 to win the NFC East.
Prior to the season-ending skid, the Cardinals swept the Dallas Cowboys, with the second victory a 38–0 destruction on Monday Night Football at the Cotton Bowl.
Running backs Wide receivers Tight ends Defensive linemen Defensive backs Special teams Practice squad rookies in italics Note: Tie games were not officially counted in the standings until 1972.