Latest news with #JonathanGannon
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Jonathan Gannon is rebuilding the Arizona Cardinals playbook
Perhaps Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes a few playbook changes could help the team get over the hump in 2025. 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.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon gives an update on training camp
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon speaks during a news conference at training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 25, 2025.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon on 2025 training camp position battles
Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon on starting the 2025 season, 'There's a lot of spots open and there's a lot of competition for those spots.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2 sneaky Arizona Cardinals trade candidates entering 2025 training camp
The post 2 sneaky Arizona Cardinals trade candidates entering 2025 training camp appeared first on ClutchPoints. As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for their 2025 training camp, the buzz isn't just about the promising rookies or the star-studded offense. Behind the scenes, some players who quietly contributed last season might soon find themselves wearing a different jersey. Sure, the Cardinals have made headlines with their offseason defensive upgrades and the continued development of Kyler Murray and his offensive weapons. However, the roster remains fluid. Identifying sneaky trade candidates is crucial as the team balances talent, cap space, and positional depth. Here's a look at two such players who could be moved before the pads go on. Cardinals' 2025 Offseason Review A brief four-game win streak gave the Cardinals fleeting relevance during the 2024 NFL season. However, they mostly lacked identity. Aside from featuring the dynamic quarterback play of Murray, Arizona pretty much didn't have anything else. That could change in 2025. GM Monti Ossenfort aggressively upgraded the defensive front. He signed edge rusher Josh Sweat and linebacker Baron Browning before drafting defensive linemen Walter Nolen and Jordan Burch. Head coach Jonathan Gannon, who masterminded Philadelphia's elite 2022 Super Bowl defense, now has the tools to craft a similarly dominant unit in Arizona. Last year, the Cardinals ranked just 21st in defense. However, resurgence on that end of the field could finally establish the Cardinals as NFC West contenders. Of course, that's in addition to the production of offensive stars like Murray, tight end Trey McBride, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Could they have added more weapons for Murray? Perhaps. That said, prioritizing defense was the right call to build a balanced, competitive roster. Here we'll try to look at two players who are sneaky Arizona Cardinals trade candidates entering 2025 NFL training camp. 1. WR Greg Dortch Greg Dortch is a versatile slot receiver and return specialist whose skill set makes him valuable on multiple fronts. However, the Cardinals' wide receiver room is crowded and increasingly defined by younger, ascending talents such as Harrison Jr and Michael Wilson. With these two emerging as clear starters, Dortch's offensive snaps could diminish in 2025. Though Dortch is currently listed as the primary punt returner, he faces competition from players like DeeJay Dallas. Again, this could further limit Dortch's role. His versatility and special teams prowess keep him relevant. Still, the Cardinals might view him as expendable given the depth at receiver and the need to free up roster space. Trading Dortch could benefit Arizona by providing another draft pick or future asset while allowing a team in need of a dynamic slot receiver and returner to bolster their lineup. His experience and reliability in special teams make him an attractive trade chip. That is especially true for contenders looking to add depth without sacrificing cap flexibility. 2. DL Justin Jones Justin Jones is a solid, experienced defensive tackle who contributed as a rotational player last season. However, with the Cardinals' recent additions of younger defensive linemen like Nolen and Burch, Jones might be relegated to a backup role behind starter Dalvin Tomlinson. This shift limits his snaps and impact on the field. Jones' ability to play inside and contribute on passing downs still makes him a valuable asset. Yet, Arizona's focus on youth and salary cap management could make moving Jones a logical decision. His contract is manageable. This increases his trade appeal to teams seeking to bolster their interior defensive line with a player who has starting experience and pass-rush ability. A trade involving Jones could help the Cardinals maintain financial flexibility while giving Jones a chance to compete for a larger role elsewhere. For a contender looking to add depth and versatility on the defensive front, Jones would be a savvy pickup. Roster Taking Shape As the Cardinals approach the start of their 2025 training camp, the roster is taking shape but still holds some uncertainty. Sure, the focus rightly remains on the defensive upgrades and the continued growth of Murray's offensive weapons. Having said that, savvy front offices know that trades involving players like Greg Dortch and Justin Jones could provide valuable assets and roster flexibility. Dortch's versatility as a slot receiver and return specialist, combined with the Cardinals' crowded wide receiver depth chart, makes him a prime candidate to be moved. Meanwhile, Jones' solid interior defensive skills and backup status amid a youth movement could also lead to a trade that benefits both him and Arizona. With the NFC West becoming increasingly competitive, the Cardinals must balance immediate needs with long-term planning. These sneaky trade candidates could be key pieces in that puzzle, quietly reshaping the roster as training camp approaches.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cardinals head coach provides discouraging injury update on 1st-round pick
The post Cardinals head coach provides discouraging injury update on 1st-round pick appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Arizona Cardinals are set to start training camp, and they will be without some key players to start, including their first-round draft pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. 'Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon told reporters today that first-round pick Walter Nolen III will miss time with a calf injury he suffered while getting ready for training camp,' Schefter wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Gannon was unsure if Nolen would be healthy enough when the regular season starts, and it will be interesting to see if they just bring him along slowly. 'He's recovering, rehabbing, and he'll get out there when he needs to get out there,' Gannon said. Nolen was selected by the Cardinals with the No. 16 pick of the NFL Draft, and the plan was for him to have a big impact on the team this season. Nolen played his last season of college ball at Ole Miss and put up the best numbers of his career, combining for 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. He was named first-team All-SEC and the consensus All-American. The Cardinals have the depth to replace Nolen for the time being, and the hope is that they can stay afloat while he's absent. What will the Cardinals look like this season? With Nolen sidelined to start training camp, the Cardinals made sure they already had the depth on the line. The backend of the Cardinals' defense has high expectations, including Budda Baker, who has been a standout player in the unit. During the offseason, Baker was honest about how he feels about the team going into this season. 'I was drafted here, I know it was a different GM and a different coaching staff, but for me all I've been trying to do is do my job at a high level each and every day,' Baker said on The Mina Kimes Show. 'Of course, I'm a sore loser, I hate losing, and my career with the Cardinals has kind of been more losing than winning. 'But for me it's just stay ten toes down, you believe in what you believe in, and I believe in this coaching staff, I believe in these players that we brought in, free agency, draft, and very excited for the future.' The Cardinals have not done much winning over the past few years, but they have some things to look forward to this season, especially on offense, and this being the second season for Marvin Harrison Jr. Related: Cardinals' Will Johnson deal leaves 2 NFL 2025 Draft picks unsigned
