Earning playoff slot pales in comparison to Cardinals' lofty goals

The Arizona Cardinals had plenty to celebrate in the wake of Sunday night's 40-17 demolition of the Philadelphia Eagles that clinched the NFC West Division title.

It was the eighth consecutive victory for the Cardinals - their longest winning streak since 1948-49 - and gave the franchise the first 12-win season in its history. Given the accomplishments, the mood after the lopsided victory was somewhat muted.

"There wasn’t a whole lot of hooting and hollering in the locker room,” Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said. “Clinching the West isn’t the goal.” 

Arizona, which is looking to secure a first-round bye in the playoffs, continues to show it is not reliant on a home-field advantage. Sunday's romp boosted the Cardinals' record record to 7-1, tying a franchise mark for wins away from home.

“We have big goals,” said linebacker Deone Bucannon, who returned an interception for a touchdown. “Like everyone else in the NFL, we want to win the Super Bowl. That’s no secret. This is one step.”

The Cardinals still have a slim chance at overtaking the undefeated Carolina Panthers while holding a two-game edge over Green Bay, which visits Arizona next week, for the No. 2 seed.

“We want to put banners up,” Arizona defensive tackle Frostee Rucker said. “We want to keep this thing rolling, and we’re on the right track.”