Jonathan Gannon is rebuilding the Arizona Cardinals playbook
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon is prepared to take the team franchise on an incline after 2024. With a roster full of dynamic talent on both offense and defense, Gannon has openly expressed his intent to restructure and expand the team playbook moving ahead.
Gannon likely conveyed a few constructive comments toward offensive coordinator Drew Petzing who was piloting the team offensive play-calling last season. Petzing seemed to hit a wall in the last few games, especially in the passing attack. The Cardinals finished just No. 18 in team passing yards per game last season. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Greg Dortch were targeted at a combined total of 166 times throughout the season, with Harrison Jr. averaging 14.3 yards per catch and Dortch finishing with 9.2 yards per catch. An improved passing attack should definitely be an area of focus for the franchise heading into 2025. Ultimately, an optimized passing attack should minimize the interception totals for quarterback Kyler Murray and raise his general morale.
Gannon explained in a press conference after Day 1 of training camp that the coaching staff will be picking up where they'd left off last season. In short, the many highlights on both sides of the ball need to be revisited and the bloopers on both sides of the ball need to be expunged.
Ultimately, Gannon may want to abandon some of Petzing's tendencies and opt for a more traditional play style that both minimizes difficulty on third-downs and makes manageable chances for running backs Trey Benson and James Conner in the rushing attack. Changes on defense may also arise, including the usage of 4-3 instead of 3-4 on early downs.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
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