Arizona Cardinals Poised for Further Ascent in 2025 After Promising 2024 Season
The Arizona Cardinals are generating significant buzz heading into the 2025 NFL season after a year of undeniable progress under head coach Jonathan Gannon. In 2024, the Cardinals showcased a marked improvement from their previous performance, injecting a renewed sense of optimism into the franchise and its fanbase. While they narrowly missed out on a division title, finishing with an 8-9 record and landing third in the fiercely competitive NFC West, the strides made on both sides of the ball provide a solid foundation for continued growth and potential contention in the upcoming season.
The most striking transformation occurred on the defensive side of the ball. In 2023, the Cardinals’ defense languished near the bottom of the league, ranking a dismal 31st in points allowed. However, Gannon’s strategic adjustments and the players’ dedication to his system resulted in a remarkable turnaround. In 2024, the defense surged to a respectable 15th in the league in points allowed, demonstrating a significant leap in performance and effectiveness. This dramatic improvement served as a cornerstone for the team’s overall progress and provided a glimpse of what the Cardinals’ defense could become with further refinement and additions.
The Cardinals’ commitment to bolstering their defense even further in 2025 is evident in their offseason moves. The acquisition of edge rusher Josh Sweat, a top free agent target, stands out as a particularly impactful addition. Sweat’s familiarity with Gannon’s defensive scheme, stemming from their time together in Philadelphia in 2021 and 2022, makes him an ideal fit for the Cardinals’ system. His ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks will undoubtedly elevate the pass rush and create more opportunities for the entire defense.
Beyond Sweat, the Cardinals have also reinforced their defensive line with the signings of veteran Calais Campbell, a familiar face returning to Arizona, and Dalvin Tomlinson. Campbell’s experience, leadership, and consistent performance will provide a valuable presence both on and off the field. Tomlinson, known for his run-stopping prowess, will solidify the Cardinals’ defensive front and make them more formidable against opposing running attacks.
The Cardinals’ commitment to defense extended beyond free agency and permeated their approach to the 2025 NFL Draft. The team dedicated its first three selections to defensive players, signaling a clear prioritization of strengthening that unit. With their first-round pick, the Cardinals selected defensive tackle Walter Nolen, a highly touted prospect with the potential to become a disruptive force in the interior of the defensive line. In the second round, they added edge rusher Jordan Burch, providing further depth and talent to their pass-rushing arsenal. The selection of cornerback Will Johnson in the third round addresses a need in the secondary and offers potential for significant improvement in pass coverage.
The Cardinals’ draft strategy on Day 3 further underscored their defensive focus. They added linebacker Cody Simon, cornerback Denzel Burke, and safety Kitan Crawford, providing depth and competition at multiple positions. These additions indicate a comprehensive approach to building a deep and versatile defensive unit.
While the defense received significant attention, the Cardinals also addressed the quarterback position by signing veteran Jacoby Brissett to serve as a backup to Kyler Murray. Brissett’s experience and reliability provide a valuable safety net and allow Murray to continue his development without the pressure of being the sole option under center.
The Cardinals’ coaching staff remains intact, providing continuity and stability for the team’s continued growth. The absence of any notable departures from the coaching staff is a positive sign, as it allows the team to build upon the foundation established in 2024 and further refine their strategies and game plans.
With the significant upgrades on defense and the stability within the coaching staff, the Arizona Cardinals are well-positioned to contend in the NFC West in 2025. The division remains highly competitive, but the Cardinals have demonstrated the potential to compete with the best teams in the league.
Looking ahead to the 2025 schedule, the Cardinals are set to face a challenging slate of opponents. As is customary, they will play their NFC West rivals – the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks – twice, once at home and once on the road. These divisional matchups are always intense and crucial for playoff positioning.
Due to the NFL’s rotating yearly schedule, the Cardinals will also face the entirety of the NFC South and AFC South divisions. This means matchups against teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans. These games will provide a diverse range of challenges and opportunities for the Cardinals to showcase their improved performance.
Furthermore, the Cardinals will play the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and Cincinnati Bengals because they all finished third in their respective divisions in 2024. These matchups add further intrigue and competition to the Cardinals’ schedule.
The NFL is set to release the full 2025 schedule on Wednesday, May 14th. The schedule release is a highly anticipated event for fans, as it reveals the dates, times, and broadcast information for all 18 weeks of the NFL season. Last year, the schedule was released at 8 p.m. ET, and fans can expect a similar timeframe for this year’s release.
The Arizona Cardinals’ offseason moves and the anticipation surrounding the schedule release have created a palpable sense of excitement among fans. With a revamped defense, a stable coaching staff, and a promising young quarterback in Kyler Murray, the Cardinals are poised to make further strides in 2025 and potentially emerge as a legitimate contender in the NFC West and beyond. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for the Arizona Cardinals and their loyal fanbase.
