Arizona Cardinals: A Glimpse into the 2025 Season
The Arizona Cardinals, under the guidance of head coach Jonathan Gannon, showcased remarkable progress in the 2024 NFL season, his second year at the helm. The team’s performance was a stark contrast to the previous year, with notable improvements on both offense and defense. While they flirted with the possibility of capturing the NFC West division title, a late-season slump saw them finish with an 8-9 record. However, the foundation has been laid for a potentially even more successful 2025 campaign.
One of the most significant achievements of the 2024 season was the resurgence of the Cardinals’ defense. After languishing near the bottom of the league in points allowed the previous year, the unit made a dramatic leap, climbing to 15th in the league. This transformation was largely attributed to a revamped defensive scheme and the emergence of key players. The Cardinals also demonstrated improved run defense, becoming a more formidable force against opposing ground attacks.
The offense also experienced a positive shift, primarily driven by the return of quarterback Kyler Murray to full health. For the first time since 2020, Murray was able to participate in a complete season, providing a much-needed spark to the team’s offensive output. His ability to both pass and run the ball added a dynamic element that had been missing in previous years.
A major highlight of the 2024 season was the breakout performance of tight end Trey McBride. McBride emerged as a reliable target for Murray, recording a career-high 1,146 receiving yards and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. His consistent production and ability to make crucial catches in key moments made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals’ offense.
Recognizing McBride’s importance to the team’s future, the Cardinals rewarded him with a record-setting contract extension during the offseason. This move demonstrated the organization’s commitment to retaining its top talent and building a strong core for years to come. The Cardinals also made significant efforts to bolster their roster through free agency.
The team’s front office strategically targeted key positions, bringing in veteran players to address specific needs. The return of former longtime starter Calais Campbell added experience and leadership to the defensive line. The acquisition of Dalvin Tomlinson further strengthened the defensive front, providing additional run-stopping ability. The Cardinals also landed Josh Sweat, a highly sought-after edge rusher, to enhance their pass-rushing capabilities.
The Cardinals continued to prioritize defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, using six of their seven selections on defensive players. This heavy investment in the defensive side of the ball reflects the team’s commitment to building a dominant defense. Among the notable draft picks were defensive linemen Walter Nolen and Jordan Burch, cornerbacks Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, and linebacker Cody Simon. These young players are expected to contribute to the team’s defensive efforts at all levels.
The offense will continue to develop under the guidance of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. One player to watch is wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who showed promise as a rookie in 2024. Harrison Jr. finished second to McBride in receiving yards and is expected to take a significant leap in his second season. His size, speed, and route-running ability make him a potential star in the making.
The Cardinals are looking to end a decade-long drought without an NFC West title. Their last division crown came in 2015, and they have only made the playoffs once since then, in 2021. The NFC West is expected to be highly competitive in 2025, with the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams all expected to contend.
The 49ers, who are coming off a Super Bowl appearance, are expected to be healthier and even stronger in 2025. The Seahawks have a new offensive system and are looking to make a push for the playoffs. The Rams have added Davante Adams to their offense and their young defense should continue to improve.
In 2024, the Cardinals went 3-3 in divisional games, demonstrating their ability to compete against the top teams in the NFC West. A similar performance in 2025 will be crucial to their chances of contending for the division title. Beyond the NFC West, the Cardinals’ schedule includes games against the AFC South and NFC South. In 2024, only two teams from those divisions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Houston Texans, reached the 10-win mark.
Due to finishing third in the NFC West in 2024, the Cardinals will also face the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Green Bay Packers. Road games against the Texans defense and Bengals offense could pose significant challenges. A home game against the Packers is also expected to be a tough test.
However, the Cardinals will also face teams with new coaching staffs and systems, including the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars. These games could provide opportunities for the Cardinals to secure victories.
Experts predict that the Cardinals will likely split their non-division games and contend for a playoff spot in 2025. However, they may ultimately fall short of making the postseason in Gannon’s third year as head coach. A predicted record of 9-8 suggests that the Cardinals are on the cusp of becoming a playoff team but still need to make further improvements. The path to the playoffs will depend on their performance in divisional games, their ability to win on the road, and their success against teams with new regimes. The growth of young players like Harrison Jr. and the continued development of the defense will also be critical factors. While the Cardinals may not be Super Bowl contenders just yet, they are clearly on the right track under Gannon’s leadership.
