Latest news with #MontiOssenfort
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Offensive tweaks, Marvin Harrison Jr. growth makes 2025 Kyler Murray's last make-or-break season
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Entering Year 7, the descriptors for the next phase of the Kyler Murray experience have been exhausted. A referendum on his future. A make-or-break season. A turning point. A watershed moment. For three straight training camps under the current Arizona Cardinals regime, this language setting up a breakthrough or breakdown has gone on and on. Each version related to something that had supposedly changed in the Murray matrix. Maybe he was healthier than ever. Maybe his confidence was at an all-time high or some of the pieces around him had been improved. Perhaps he'd spent more time in the facility during the offseason, getting stronger or wiser or more sharp with his study and workout habits. Whatever the developments, the underlying theme was always consistently suggestive: The best Kyler Murray? It was the next Kyler Murray. But turning 28 next month and longing for the next level of his game, there seems to be a reality settling into place when it comes to Murray's development. It suggests the 2025 season is not so much about dreaming of the considerable ceiling that has never been consistently reached, but more about raising his floor to the point the franchise can methodically win games around him — rather than a continual press to win primarily through him. 'There's always going to be those highs,' Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said of Murray. 'What we've got to do is hopefully eliminate those lows. … If he plays at the level where we can eliminate some of those lows, we can win with him. I don't think it's realistic to say that those exceptional games — we can't just constantly expect them. What we've tried to do is put a complete team around him, which I don't know that he's ever had that. If we can put a complete team around him, we can win and we can go to the playoffs.' [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] That 'complete team' concept shouldn't be interpreted as 'complete offense.' Largely because the Cardinals made the decision to lean into the discipline of their draft and pro personnel evaluations this past offseason and commit to additions that only fit with the culture and team design that Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon have been meticulously following in each of their offseasons. The result: Despite wanting to add more pieces around Murray, they stuck to their draft board and plucked six defensive players among their seven picks, with the lone selection on offense being guard Hayden Conner in the sixth round. Free agency produced much of the same, with four of Arizona's top five total value free agency deals yielding defensive signings — and the lone top-five offensive signing being backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Naturally, that led to some groaning in the fan base — which has had a front-row seat to: An offensive line that is still trying to find its way; a wide receiving corps that has a developing No. 1 in Marvin Harrison Jr. but still lacks a high-end No. 2; depth and high-end starters at running back and tight end. And in the middle of it all, a quarterback in Murray who is still struggling to find week-to-week consistency. The upside to how the plan has come together for the Cardinals is that they are fiscally one of the strongest teams in the league when it comes to salary cap health. There's virtually no dead money on Arizona's cap in 2025 and there should be surplus cap space to roll into the 2026 season, barring forthcoming contract extensions. Not to mention the reality that defensively, the Cardinals have invested in their front line in a manner that is strikingly similar to the Philadelphia Eagles — which is suggestive that Gannon is inching closer to operating the type of hyper physical scheme that helped him reach a Super Bowl as Eagles defensive coordinator in the 2022 season. This is good news for Cardinals fans. Gannon and Ossenfort said three years ago that Arizona would be built with a brand of meaningful patience that has — at times — been uncommon for the franchise and owner Michael Bidwill. There haven't been embarrassments or scandals inside the coaching staff or front office, and there aren't knee-jerk decisions from ownership that steered the team away from a blueprint that Gannon and Ossenfort believed in. But some brands of dedication have consequences, and for the Cardinals it means the team has followed a road that has put defensive additions on the front burner. That has left the offense returning the same cast of players from 2024, hoping to find its growth from within this offseason. 'I need to coach a little better and we need to have young guys that we brought in here because of their fit — we need them to take a little bit of a step up,' offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said. 'That's the big thing. Where is that going to come from? … Quarterback, tight end, running back, we feel phenomenal.' Of course, much of the headlines have come from Harrison reporting to camp at a rocked 220 pounds, giving him better strength to attack the football at the catch point. Harrison has also been working to become a better technician at the top of his routes, where many wideouts with adequate speed — but not elite speed — tend to create space. Beyond Harrison, Petzing is hoping that backup running back Trey Benson can carve out a bigger role for himself, particularly on third down when he can factor into the passing game in a way that differentiates his skills from starter James Conner. And on the tight end front, there will be an emphasis to expand some of the opportunities for Trey McBride in the red zone, potentially elevating his overall receiving profile to being a 1B option to Harrison's 1A role. Even if that kind of growth is achieved, there's no getting away from Murray being center mass when it comes to where the offense is going in 2025. To that end, the Cardinals are planning on implementing some scheme tweaks that involve slide protections with an emphasis on shoring up how the middle of the offensive line protects the quarterback — largely in hopes of eliminating the inside pressure that Murray has struggled with in the past. Arizona will also continue to lean into moving the pocket in different ways, allowing Murray to get outside of the tackle box at times to throw. When you sift these efforts, the granular goal becomes clear for Arizona this season. Some of it is to find out whether scheme and talent can help Murray find a much-needed improved level of consistency, and some of it is to determine if Year 7 in his development (or lack thereof) leaves the franchise brain trust considering change at the position. What's clear is the 2024 version of Murray can't be the ceiling. Last season saw Murray throw seven of his 21 touchdown passes in just two games of what was, looking back, undermanned competition — Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams and Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers. Those two games, along with a Week 10 game against the New York Jets and a superb second half against the Miami Dolphins in Week 8, were his highlight moments. Beyond that, the vast remainder of his season was marked by a roller coaster-style of play that ended up undermining the Cardinals and coupling a 6-4 start with a 2-5 finish. All along the way, Murray's inconsistency was highlighted through turnovers and bad decisions. Other times, it was general inaccuracy or what appeared to be chemistry issues with Harrison and not being able to utilize McBride in the red zone more often. At times, some of it was exacerbated by injuries in the backfield. Often, the offensive line failed to hold up for a litany of reasons. But some or all of it manifested in Murray making miscues at costly moments and the Cardinals often failing to recover. 'It's just finding the balance of — [Kyler] can hit the driver, he can hit a 4-iron off the tee, he make birdie or pars with the driver, he can make pars with the 4-iron,' Gannon said. 'It's knowing when he has to pick the spot, because you can make a bogey or a double with the driver, too. It's such a corny analogy, but it's true. He has to have the wherewithal to know, this is the time to pull the driver, this is the time to pull the 4-iron. I think he will take a step there.' Finding the right club will be paramount this season, even with an offense that returns the same players from last season's edition. Whether it's through the aggregate of young players growing or Murray having some kind of breakthrough — or the defense carrying Arizona on its shoulders — the Murray Matrix has to change in 2025. And if it doesn't? What he is in Year 7 is simply what he is.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- 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.
New York Times
30-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
One lingering question for every NFL team as the league's summer break begins
The Athletic's beat writers shared what they do know about each NFL team heading into the summer. The focus now shifts to what they don't know. Unsurprisingly, there are still lingering questions across the league with training camp just a few weeks away. Between unresolved contract disputes, anticipated position battles and even existential matters (what are the New Orleans Saints?), our writers have something to contemplate for all 32 teams. Here are their thoughts. Did they do enough to improve offensively? Defensive upgrades? GM Monti Ossenfort signed one of the best edge rushers available in Josh Sweat. He added veteran defensive tackles in Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell. Then, the Cardinals drafted defensive players with six of their seven picks, a group that included DT Walter Nolen and CB Will Johnson. Arizona should have one of the more improved defenses in the league. The offense, however, looks similar to last season's, when Arizona ranked 11th in yardage per game and 12th in scoring. A veteran receiver to go alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. would have helped. The offensive line also needed attention. — Doug Haller Advertisement How much can the young pass rushers help? The Falcons drafted edge rushers Jalon Walker (No. 15) and James Pearce Jr. (No. 26) in the first round in April, and they also will be getting their first contribution from last year's third-round pick, outside linebacker Bralen Trice, who missed 2024 with an injury. They are counting on one of those players, or some combination of all three, boosting what is historically one of the league's worst pass rushes. Atlanta finished 31st in sacks last year with 31 and is the only team in the NFL with fewer than 300 sacks over the last 10 years. The Falcons lost bodies, including Grady Jarrett, on the defensive interior, and didn't add much at cornerback, so they are putting a lot of faith in getting more pressure on the quarterback. — Josh Kendall Did the Ravens do enough to improve in the trenches? The Ravens' season-ending loss to the Bills can largely be attributed to their three turnovers, but they also were handled at the line of scrimmage. That's been a common theme in their playoff disappointments. The Ravens lost starting left guard Patrick Mekari and swing guard/tackle Josh Jones in free agency, nose tackle Michael Pierce retired and defensive lineman Brent Urban wasn't re-signed. They drafted three offensive linemen and one interior defensive lineman, but the only one taken before Day 3, third-round OT Emery Jones Jr., needed shoulder surgery and won't be ready for the start of training camp. Their outside trench free-agent signings were oft-injured G/T Joseph Noteboom and journeyman NT John Jenkins. General manager Eric DeCosta has had a nice offseason, but the Ravens are still relatively thin in the offensive and defensive interior. — Jeff Zrebiec Will RB James Cook do a hold-in without a new deal? The biggest question surrounding the Bills ahead of minicamp was answered when Cook not only showed up without a contract extension signed, but also participated fully in the practices all week. When speaking with reporters, Cook remarked that he intended to be at training camp. However, when asked to clarify if he would do a hold-in and not practice despite reporting, Cook said, 'I don't know, man. We'll see when camp comes.' The last thing GM Brandon Beane said about a potential hold-in was that they haven't been given any indication that would be the case, and that Cook 'will be ready to roll whether there's a deal or not.' If no new deal is in place by camp, how Cook plays it will be the biggest story heading in. — Joe Buscaglia Did GM Dan Morgan do enough to address the NFL's worst defense? Most experts thought the Panthers would take a defensive player with the eighth pick following a season in which Carolina allowed the most points in NFL history. Instead, Morgan gave QB Bryce Young another playmaker in former Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan. Trying to help Young succeed in Year 3 isn't a bad idea. However, it still feels like defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero could use another piece up front (after Jadeveon Clowney's release) or in the secondary, either a veteran safety such as Julian Blackmon or Justin Simmons or a corner to back up Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson. — Joseph Person Advertisement Who will start at left tackle? During the offseason program, the competition at left tackle was between rookie Ozzy Trapilo (the No. 56 pick this year) and Kiran Amegadjie (No. 75 last year). But that will change in training camp when Braxton Jones, the Bears' starter since his rookie season in 2022, returns to practice after ankle surgery ended his 2024 season. Can Jones regain his form and hold off Trapilo and Amegadjie? Or is Trapilo the in-house favorite after being drafted by new head coach Ben Johnson? The competition intensifies when the pads come on in camp and in joint practices against the Dolphins and Bills. — Adam Jahns Could the Bengals add another veteran at guard? The battle at both guard spots runs deep. Veterans Cody Ford and Lucas Patrick were competing on the right side during OTAs, with rookie Dylan Fairchild and Cordell Volson largely in the mix on the left. New offensive line coach Scott Peters sounds content with those battles, and there hasn't been a clamoring to add another body to the mix. However, with veterans such as Brandon Scherff, Dalton Risner and Will Hernandez all still available and the Bengals owning an abundance of cap space, would they add a more proven starter to the mix and let the others compete for the remaining spot? I'd say it's unlikely, but a move they should be considering. — Paul Dehner Jr. What are the plans — yes, multiple — for the quarterbacks? The four-man quarterback competition gets the headlines — and will get the scrutiny once it really gets going in late July. Could fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders win the job by September? Probably not given that Sanders is the only one of the four to take no first-team reps in the spring, but we'll see. Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are only signed through 2025, and we saw the Browns create extra competitive reps for both Sanders and third-rounder Dylan Gabriel in nearly every spring practice. When does the order really start to matter? Could the Browns really keep all four? Will there be a pre-deadline for the team to focus only on the future? Truly, there are numerous ways this can go. — Zac Jackson Which running back(s) will emerge? Last year, the Cowboys did nothing to address the run game and declared a by-committee approach during the offseason. An over-the-hill Ezekiel Elliott was a legitimate part of the rotation, and the offensive line was ineffective. This offseason, Dallas signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency and drafted Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, adding to incumbent backfield members Hunter Luepke and Deuce Vaughn. The Cowboys drafted guard Tyler Booker with the No. 12 pick to help the offensive line. They are taking a wait-and-see approach this time instead of quickly declaring their philosophy. It'll be up to the players on the roster to dictate if there will be a lead back or a committee, and if it is a committee, who will be a regular part of the rotation. — Saad Yousuf How much will JK Dobbins provide for the Broncos' offense? The Broncos have surrounded QB Bo Nix with a better run game to help him make a leap in Year 2. Denver ranked 26th in rushing efficiency during the second halves of games last season, a major reason they fell short in a handful of close contests against playoff-caliber teams. Dobbins, who signed a one-year deal during minicamp, is being counted on to deliver a consistent presence in the backfield that Denver simply didn't have during Nix's first season. Rookie RJ Harvey should be a versatile and impactful weapon in Sean Payton's offense, but the Broncos need Dobbins, who rushed for 905 yards in 13 games last season, to be an every-down staple. — Nick Kosmider Advertisement Could the Lions' offensive line take a step back in 2025? The Lions' offensive line, viewed as one of the league's best for several seasons now, is in a transitional period. Franchise pillar Frank Ragnow announced his retirement at 29 this summer. Kevin Zeitler provided Pro-Bowl caliber play at right guard last season, but left in free agency. Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow will be 32 and 33, respectively, when the season begins. There's reason to feel good about Detroit's offensive line, despite these developments. Penei Sewell is still here, and the team has added a trio of young interior linemen in Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier in recent years. They represent the next wave. But there could be growing pains along the way. — Colton Pouncy Will Lukas Van Ness play like a first-round pick? The Packers' pass rush was too inconsistent for general manager Brian Gutekunst's liking last season, but he has opted to trust the guys already on the team instead of making a splash offseason addition. The player who needs to take the biggest jump this season, perhaps on the entire team, is 2023 first-round defensive end Lukas Van Ness. He has yet to break out, and his emergence could be the key to a more consistent pass rush, not only because it would mean more production from him but also because it would free up Rashan Gary from double teams and chips that may have slowed him down in the past. — Matt Schneidman Will a retooled offensive line better protect C.J. Stroud? After surrendering a combined 90 sacks in C.J. Stroud's first two NFL seasons, the Texans underwent an offensive line overhaul, trading away Laremy Tunsil and acquiring veteran left tackle Cam Robinson, left guard Laken Tomlinson and center Jake Andrews while also drafting rookie tackle Aireontae Ersery. Texans coaches are still doing some tinkering. Ersery saw time at both tackle positions during offseason practices. And with new offensive coordinator Nick Caley learning on the go, it could take some time for this line to fully jell. The hope is that the retool leads to another AFC South title and a deep playoff run after two divisional round exits. — Mike Jones When will Anthony Richardson return? Richardson was shut down May 29 after experiencing pain in his throwing shoulder during OTAs. Colts coach Shane Steichen said Richardson 'aggravated' his AC joint, which is concerning when considering Richardson previously underwent season-ending AC joint surgery in October 2023 (during his rookie season). There is no timeline for Richardson's return, per Steichen. After Richardson missed several days this spring, he'll continue to lose ground in the QB competition if he is sidelined to start training camp. For now, Daniel Jones, who started 69 games for the Giants, is poised to be Indy's Week 1 starter. — James Boyd How good can Trevor Lawrence really become? The 2021 No. 1 pick was peaking in the second half of 2022, but both Lawrence and the Jaguars have cratered since that historic playoff comeback victory. It's been assumed that new head coach Liam Coen will get the best out of Lawrence, much like Coen did last season with Baker Mayfield, but QB success isn't as simple as the snap of a finger. If Lawrence truly does reach his potential with Coen, he has the tools to be a top-10 quarterback. But if this pairing fails, another exciting new era in Jacksonville will lead to an organizational reset. — Jeff Howe How will the Chiefs respond to the Eagles thumping them in the Super Bowl? 'Pretty devastating,' guard Mike Caliendo called February's Super Bowl. Travis Kelce said he 'failed' his teammates, then mulled retirement. Patrick Mahomes vowed it would haunt him for the rest of his career. The Chiefs were 60 minutes from history, vying to become the first team in the Super Bowl era to win three in a row. Then they were pummeled in New Orleans, so severely humbled that they were forced to face some hard questions about the leaks on their roster, starting with an offensive line that gave them no shot against the Eagles. The impetus was clear. The Chiefs could have as many as three new starters. How the offensive line jells — and performs — will be central to this team's pursuit of a fourth title since 2020. — Zak Keefer When will Christian Wilkins be healthy? The Raiders' star defensive tackle suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot last October and had season-ending surgery. The recovery timeline is typically three to four months, but Wilkins still wasn't able to practice during OTAs. He wore a walking boot after surgery, but had progressed enough to get out of it by the end of last season. Then, earlier this offseason, he was placed back into the walking boot, according to team sources. While he was back out of the walking boot by the start of OTAs, he wasn't ready to practice. Coach Pete Carroll acknowledged that Wilkins' recovery has been 'difficult' and hasn't given a timeline for his return to action. — Tashan Reed Advertisement Who starts at left guard and center? One of the Chargers' biggest weaknesses last season was the interior of their offensive line, particularly in pass protection. They took a step toward improving that area in free agency when they signed Mekhi Becton, who will start at right guard. At left guard and center, the Chargers could be starting two holdovers in Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson. Bozeman started at center in 2024. Johnson started at left guard. The Chargers, through spring practices, have been experimenting with Johnson at center and Bozeman at left guard. Johnson has never played center in the NFL. Will swapping those two actually lead to improvement? — Daniel Popper Do the Rams have enough firepower at cornerback? Since 2023, when the Rams gutted most of their defense and set about rebuilding, especially the pass rush, via the draft, they've focused on adding young draft picks on rookie contracts to their defensive line, plus a key veteran or two (such as defensive tackle Poona Ford this offseason). Meanwhile, they've stayed relatively low-cost and very veteran at outside cornerback. Darious Williams (three years, $22.5 million) is their highest-paid player there at 32, fellow starter Ahkello Witherspoon is 30 and on a cheaper one-year deal and No. 3 cornerback Cobie Durant is on the final year of his rookie contract. Late-2024 waiver wire acquisition Emmanuel Forbes showed promise in OTAs, but is still settling in. The Rams are well-rounded at safety, but didn't draft at cornerback in April. Veteran Jalen Ramsey remains a possibility, but the Rams won't use significant capital to bring him back to L.A., nor are they likely to pay his existing salary, so they might ultimately rule out a trade if Miami stands pat. — Jourdan Rodrigue When will Miami trade Jalen Ramsey, and what will the return be? Nothing appears to have changed in terms of the Dolphins' intention to trade the soon-to-be 31-year-old cornerback. They're going to move him, no matter what star wide receiver Tyreek Hill may want. But when will that deal materialize, and what kind of compensation can Miami expect? Obviously, it's best for all involved if a deal is executed before the start of training camp, so let's assume this doesn't drag into the season. As for what the return could be, Dolphins fan probably shouldn't get their hopes up. Ramsey is past his prime and is still owed a lot of money. Given his age and contract, I'd expect the return to be in the neighborhood of a Day 3 pick, even if Miami agrees to eat some of the salary. — Jim Ayello Is J.J. McCarthy's floor high enough for a team as loaded as this one is? The Vikings are spending $357 million on the 2025 roster, more than any other NFL team. They're loaded. It's not just superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. It's not just an already vaunted defense injected with veterans like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. It's third-year pro Jordan Addison. It's tight end T.J. Hockenson. Scan up and down the roster and you'll be hard-pressed to find major holes. The biggest question may come at the game's most important position. J.J. McCarthy, who last year tore his meniscus, is preparing for his first season as a starter. The Vikings passed up on other veterans to give him his deserved opportunity, and they believe he'll be ready. It's hard to argue with a coach and play caller in Kevin O'Connell, who has produced three 4,000-yard seasons with different quarterbacks. — Alec Lewis Did they do enough to fix the offensive line? They were just spring practices, and it's wise not to put too much stock into those sessions, especially for linemen, since pads haven't come on yet. Now, with that caveat out of the way, the Patriots' O-line struggled against the team's front seven. That's especially concerning since it's not like the Patriots have a top-end group of edge rushers. Maybe it was just a learning curve for first-round pick Will Campbell. And maybe Morgan Moses was adjusting to a new scheme. And maybe Garrett Bradbury won't even be the starter if he loses the center job to third-round pick Jared Wilson. But it wasn't a great spring for the group. — Chad Graff What are the Saints? Identities for teams often take a minute or two to form. As for the Saints, it feels like part of this team is in a rebuild mode and part of it thinks it's a contender for the NFC South crown. You have a new coach in Kellen Moore and a new coaching staff. You likely have a new starting quarterback with 2025 second-rounder Tyler Shough, along with first-round picks the past two years for each tackle slot (Kelvin Banks, Taliese Fuaga). But then veteran players from the Saints' winning heyday are still around, such as Alvin Kamara, Demario Davis and Cam Jordan, as well as veterans like Tyrann Mathieu, Justin Reid and Brandin Cooks. In a weak NFC South, maybe this team can still be a contender. And yet we're possibly one bad season away from clearing the deck at quarterback and moving on from many of those aforementioned pieces. — Larry Holder How long until Jaxson Dart takes over? The Giants selected Jaxson Dart with the 25th pick in the draft in the hopes that he'll be their quarterback of the future. How soon that future will begin is the question hanging over the organization. The Giants brought in Russell Wilson to serve two functions. First, Wilson gives a regime coming off a 3-14 season a chance to win games this season. Second, Wilson's presence should afford Dart the necessary time to develop. How Wilson and the team fare and how Dart progresses will determine how long until the 22-year-old takes the reins. — Dan Duggan Advertisement How much concern should there be about depth on the defensive line? When the Jets defense was at its best under Robert Saleh, the defensive line dominated up front with a deep bench of pass rushers, both from the edge and the interior. They lacked that in 2024, and an argument could be made that the depth has actually gotten worse this offseason, at least on paper. At defensive end, Will McDonald (10.5 sacks) is coming off a breakout season but still has a lot to prove as a run stopper. Jermaine Johnson is coming off an Achilles injury, likely won't be ready for the start of training camp and it's unclear yet if he'll be the same player coming off the injury. The top backups are Micheal Clemons, who was out of his element as a full-time player last year; Rashad Weaver, who has zero sacks since 2022; fifth-round rookie Tyler Baron and both Eric Watts and Braiden McGregor, who combined for zero sacks in 364 snaps last year. At defensive tackle, the options next to Quinnen Williams won't exactly scare anyone: Byron Cowart, Jay Tuefele, Leonard Taylor III, Phidarian Mathis and some undrafted rookies. — Zack Rosenblatt How effective will the secondary be? The Eagles fueled their Super Bowl LIX run partly by going from surrendering the league's third-most passes of 15-plus yards in 2023 under former defensive coordinator Sean Desai to surrendering the fewest in 2024 under Vic Fangio, per TruMedia. General manager Howie Roseman equipped Fangio with an upgraded lineup. Rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean joined a veteran-laden unit led by cornerback Darius Slay that also included splash free agency signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson at safety. Slay and Gardner-Johnson are gone. Kelee Ringo is the front-runner to replace Slay. Sydney Brown is in the mix to replace Gardner-Johnson. Both defensive backs contributed to the 2023 unit's dysfunctions as rookies who both started in at least four games. How much more have they developed? Will rookie Drew Mukuba start at safety instead? Will a strength of the top-ranked 2024 defense become a vulnerability opponents can regularly exploit? — Brooks Kubena Will the Steelers add another weapon for Aaron Rodgers? Steelers GM Omar Khan significantly shook up the receiver room this offseason when he acquired DK Metcalf and traded away George Pickens. Is Khan done wheeling and dealing? Behind Metcalf, fourth-year receiver Calvin Austin III is currently slated to serve as WR2. The shifty receiver emerged last season to post 36 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns. Other candidates include Roman Wilson, who lost virtually his entire rookie year to injuries, and a 33-year-old Robert Woods. The Steelers need to decide not only if they have a legitimate WR2 but also if they're in any better of a position to handle a prolonged absence of their new WR1. — Mike DeFabo Who starts at safety? Offseason injuries seem to bite into one position group especially fiercely, and this spring, the 49ers' safeties were hit the hardest. Ji'Ayir Brown was recovering from ankle surgery, Malik Mustapha and George Odom had knee issues and rookie Marques Sigle was out with a sports hernia. That left a pair of newcomers, Richie Grant and Jason Pinnock, playing with the first-team defense. Neither has distinguished himself since entering the NFL in 2021, though one or both could start in Week 1. That's because the only 49ers safety who truly stood out last year, Mustapha, likely still will be recovering from an ACL injury at the start of the season. Pinnock is someone to watch. He might have an edge for a Week 1 starting role given that he spent two offseasons under 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh when they were with the Jets. — Matt Barrows Is the offensive line fixed? The answer to this question will define the season. The Seahawks have talented skill players on offense and they're returning nearly every starter from a defense that was a top-10 unit in 2024. Sam Darnold demonstrated he can be a competent quarterback when his supporting cast is strong. Is a potential lineup of Charles Cross, Grey Zabel, Olu Oluwatimi, Anthony Bradford and Abe Lucas enough to qualify as strong? (Zabel, a rookie, is the only new player in that lineup.) New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and his front line hold the keys to the Seahawks' season. — Michael-Shawn Dugar Will changes in the secondary result in more consistency and big plays? The Bucs used the draft to infuse talent in the back end of their defense, taking corners Benjamin Morrison in the second round and Jacob Parrish in the third. Both could contribute as rookies, with Parrish expected to compete for the nickel cornerback spot. Second-year man Tykee Smith could continue to be a nickel corner, but he also could have an expanded role at safety, as the team released Jordan Whitehead. And coach Todd Bowles raised the possibility that Zyon McCollum, who has primarily played outside up to this point, also could play inside over the slot receiver. The team is also counting on more ball production with the return of safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who missed eight games last season with ankle issues. — Dan Pompei Will L'Jarius Sneed be a factor in 2025? First-year GM Mike Borgonzi was part of the Kansas City front office that unloaded Sneed to the Titans in 2024, a clear win over former Titans GM Ran Carthon, with a third-round pick coming back to the Chiefs. Now, Sneed is Borgonzi's problem, amplified by a civil suit and potential criminal indictment stemming from an alleged shooting incident in late 2024. Throw in a quad injury that limited Sneed to five games in 2024, on top of knee issues that have essentially eliminated him from practice participation, and you have a highly paid and hugely important defensive piece who could end up a non-factor. — Joe Rexrode Advertisement Did the front office do enough to substantially help last season's substandard defense? The offseason plan was clear: Get bigger. Saquon Barkley dominated in three meetings, and many others ran over the Commanders. New linemen Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise are massive humans, and second-round cornerback Trey Amos brings good size on the perimeter. Washington needs a healthy CB Marshon Lattimore and a motivated DT Daron Payne. Early signs show promise on both fronts. Still, there are scant scary pass rushers and bigger isn't always better versus the run. Expect more 4-3 formations in hopes of slowing down ground games. — Ben Standig (Top photos of J.J. McCarthy and James Cook: Stephen Maturen and Kara Durrette / Getty Images)
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arizona Cardinals 2025 NFL Season Preview
Arizona Cardinals 2025 NFL Season Preview originally appeared on Athlon Sports. [Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 NFL Preview Magazine. Order your copy today online or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.] Advertisement Every team feels optimistic during the offseason, but for Cardinals fans, the excitement is well founded. Since head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort took over in 2023, there has been steady growth. The first step was to develop an identity and culture. Check. Then, they had to comb through and reshape the roster. Also check. The third season is when the grace period for a new regime subsides. Optimism is great, but it can only take a team — and a fan base that has eagerly awaited a deep playoff run for nearly a decade — so far. More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks Offense The Cardinals are largely running it back offensively in 2025. It was a quiet free agency, as the unit did not receive any major upgrades. However, just because the players are mostly the same, it doesn't mean the offense will have the same results as in 2024. Advertisement Quarterback Kyler Murray remains at the center of the conversation. Truthfully, there is no player more exciting to watch when he is in a zone than the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Marvin Harrison Jr.© Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images Murray admitted after the 2024 season that his knee was still affecting him, which could explain his career-low 4.6 rushes per game. Now two years removed from his surgery, Murray must use his dual-threat ability to open up the offense more. He has weapons galore. Following back-to-back 1,000-plus-yard rushing seasons, James Conner, 30, keeps defying the stereotype surrounding running backs. The Cardinals had 73 rushes of longer than 10 yards, fourth-most in the league. With the majority of the offensive line returning intact and left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. playing the same position in consecutive seasons for the first time since high school, the Cardinals are hoping for more rushing success. Advertisement The Cardinals love their tight ends, playing in 12 or 13 personnel on 47% of their offensive snaps. Fourth-year tight end Trey McBride briefly became the highest-paid tight end in NFL history before George Kittle passed him by $100,000. McBride became a Pro Bowler in 2024 with 1,146 yards on 111 receptions. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing needs to create plays to get the tight ends into the end zone more often than last season. McBride set the NFL record for most receptions (97) before scoring a touchdown. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. showed flashes during his rookie season, ending with 885 yards and tying the franchise rookie record shared by Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin with eight touchdowns. Still, it was clear that Harrison and Murray were not always on the same page. That connection will need to sharpen in 2025, particularly on designed routes for Harrison and on off-schedule plays. Harrison reportedly gained muscle during the offseason, which will be beneficial in 50-50 situations. There were moments when he'd catch with his chest and allow defenders to swat it away rather than catching with his hands. Defense The happiest person in the Cardinals facility must be defensive coordinator Nick Rallis after a front seven overhaul in free agency. The Cardinals signed premier edge rusher Josh Sweat, whose best seasons came when Gannon was his defensive coordinator in Philadelphia. Sweat had a career-high 11 sacks in 2022 and a Pro Bowl nod in 2021. Philly's disruptive defensive line was instrumental in Sweat's success, and it's something Rallis is looking to replicate. Advertisement With a similar blueprint, Ossenfort heavily invested in revamping the defensive line room, signing Dalvin Tomlinson and 18-year veteran Calais Campbell. They'll be monumental, not only on the field but also for the development of 2025 first-rounder Walter Nolen III and 2024 first-rounder Darius Robinson. Nolen joins the Cards after an All-America campaign at Ole Miss. Budda BakerMatt Kartozian-Imagn Images Rallis prefers a rotation with the front seven to keep the big guys fresh. With a crowded defensive line and outside linebacker room, the challenge becomes divvying up snap totals and deciding how often to blitz. Sweat headlines the outside linebackers unit, which also includes Baron Browning, BJ Ojulari (coming off an ACL tear) and Zaven Collins. Potentially shifting to a 4-3 defense would allow more bodies to clog the lanes, clearing the way for Sweat and Co. to come off the edge. The secondary is Gannon's specialty, and the addition of Will Johnson in the draft could be a steal. Johnson had first-round grades, but injury concerns contributed to his slide into the second round. If healthy, he is the perfect cornerback to start on the outside. He'll compete with Starling Thomas V and 2024 second-rounder Max Melton to start opposite Sean Murphy-Bunting. Garrett Williams is also a rising star as a lockdown nickel cornerback. Advertisement Inside linebacker is the biggest unknown. With Kyzir White gone, there's a hole at Mike linebacker. Fourth-rounder Cody Simon ran the show at Ohio State and is a candidate for the role, as are Mack Wilson Sr. and Akeem Davis-Gaither. It's an important position in Rallis' defense, one that features plenty of disguises. Whether he's deep in coverage or blitzing at the line of scrimmage, Budda Baker continues to deploy in multiple facets. He had the most tackles by a safety last season with 164, a total that ranked second in the NFL. His production remains prodigious, and his locker room presence is as valuable as ever. Specialists Placekicker Chad Ryland is a reason why the Cardinals were in the playoff conversation in 2024. In his first game with Arizona, Ryland nailed the game-winner against the 49ers. He'd end October as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month after two more game-winning kicks against the Dolphins and Chargers. With the 2023 fourth-rounder's competitiveness and clutch genes in mind, the Cardinals stuck with him. The key for Ryland is consistency, a trait he struggled with in New England. Advertisement Gannon calls punter Blake Gillikin a 'weapon.' Gillikin was having a Pro Bowl-caliber season before an ankle injury prematurely ended his campaign. He was a game-changer for the Cardinals, with 19 of his 38 punts landing inside the 20-yard line. The Cardinals signed DeeJay Dallas to return kicks, and after scoring the first kickoff return TD under the new format in 2024, he is an important special teams piece, as is Greg Dortch, who will return punts. Final Analysis The Cardinals were left with a bitter taste after falling out of first place in the division. Thanks to an improved defense, the NFC West is there for the taking. However, it comes down to consistency. Murray needs to be more balanced between the run and pass, generating a downfield passing attack and incorporating Harrison more effectively. Defensively, the Cardinals have an established edge rusher and interior line to cause problems. Playing against most other third-place teams throughout the league, the Cardinals size up well against their 2025 opponents and could find themselves in the playoff hunt. Advertisement More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks Related: Athlon Sports 2025 NFL Preview Magazine Now Available Related: Which NFL WRs Are Primed to Break Out in Year 2? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Washington Post
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
New Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat works to bring franchise same success he had in Philly
TEMPE, Ariz. — The most recent time edge rusher Josh Sweat was seen on an NFL field, he was making life miserable for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the Eagles' Super Bowl win in February . Now he hopes to lead the Arizona Cardinals to that sort of success. 'All you got to do is approach every day with your max effort,' Sweat said on Wednesday during the second day of the team's minicamp. 'I promise you'll see a result. That's what made the difference for me.' The 28-year-old Sweat signed a $76.4 million, four-year contract in March as the centerpiece of the Cardinals' rebuild of the defensive front. General manager Monti Ossenfort also added free agent linemen Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell, and selected Walter Nolen III with the No. 16 overall pick out of Mississippi. On top of that, Darius Robinson — a first-round pick last season from Missouri — hopes to make a big jump after an injury-filled rookie season. This year's third-round pick Jordan Burch is also pushing for a role. But it's Sweat whom the Cardinals expect to lead the way. 'I embrace it,' Sweat said. 'At the end of the day, I'm trying to be the best teammate I can be and help out however I can.' Third-year coach Jonathan Gannon is pleased that Sweat has embraced more leadership heading into his eighth NFL season. Arizona finished 8-9 last season, which was a four-win improvement over 2023. Now the franchise is trying to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. 'Guys pick his brain about certain things,' Gannon said. 'He'll help in that way, because he's played a lot of ball. He's been successful. I always say, 'You want to know ball, talk to the players.' He's one of those guys you can talk to.' Sweat's resume speaks for itself. He had 2 1/2 sacks of Mahomes in Philadelphia's 40-22 victory over Kansas City in the Super Bowl. He added eight sacks during the regular season and has been a consistent pass rush threat with 39 sacks over the past five seasons, including at least six each year. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. 'I know he can impact a game,' Gannon said. 'That's one of the reasons we signed him.' Gannon is familiar with Sweat's talent after spending two seasons with him in 2021 and 2022 as the Eagles defensive coordinator. The Eagles made the Super Bowl in Gannon's final year before losing to the Chiefs, which was one of the big reasons he earned his first opportunity to be a head coach with the Cardinals. Nick Rallis — Arizona's defensive coordinator — was also with the Eagles during those two seasons as linebackers coach. The hope is the familiar faces will help Sweat make a quick transition to a new franchise. 'From a standpoint of what his job description is — that's not going to change much,' Gannon said. 'Then it's just tweaking his game. There's some differences than what we did with him (in Philadelphia) to what we do now and he picked it up quick.' Sweat agreed: 'The scheme, you can play fast in it. Picking it up is easy. It's not going to take me very long at all.' ___ AP NFL:
