The 2012 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 93rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 25th in Arizona, and their sixth and final season under head coach Ken Whisenhunt. After a surprising 4âÂÂ0 start, which included a major upset of the New England Patriots in week 2, 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. This was Rod Graves' last season as general manager of the Cardinals. A day after the final game of the regular season, he was fired after 6 seasons.
The Cardinals began their season at home against their divisional rival Seahawks with quarterback John Skelton at the starting helm. The team started their season 1âÂÂ0 despite Skelton finishing the game 14/28 for 149 yards and an interception. Kevin Kolb later on made an appearance in relief of Skelton going 6/8 for 66 yards and a touchdown pass.
In a huge upset at Gillette Stadium, the Cardinals beat the Patriots to become 2âÂÂ0. This was the Cardinals' first win against the Patriots since 1991. This would be their last win over New England until 2024.
With the win, the Cardinals started 3âÂÂ0 for the first time since 1974.
This was the Cardinals' 700th loss. They became the first team in NFL history to do this.
With the tough loss, the Cardinals fell to 4âÂÂ2 and also with the Seahawks' win over the Patriots and the 49ers' loss to the Giants, the team remained in a tie for first place in the NFC West.
Losing their fifth straight game of the season by remaining winless at Lambeau Field (0âÂÂ7), the Cardinals headed into their bye week at 4âÂÂ5.
With their 7th straight loss the Cardinals were swept by the Rams and fell to 4-7.
In a game most remembered as possibly the worst QB duel in NFL history, the Cardinals fell 7-6 marking their 8th straight loss.
With the loss, the Cardinals were not only eliminated from postseason contention by falling to 4âÂÂ9, but the 58-point loss was the worst in franchise history. They committed 8 turnovers, which was the most that the Cardinals have ever committed in a game. Arizona had only 154 yards of total offense while the defense gave up 493 yards.
The Cardinals also became the first team in NFL history to lose 9 consecutive games after starting 4âÂÂ0.
With this win, the Cardinals ended their 9 game losing streak.
With this loss, the Cardinals surpassed the 1989 Chicago Bears for the worst record by an NFL team starting 4âÂÂ0.