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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Arizona traded a 2024 fifth-round pick for Josh Dobbs. He and rookie Clayton Tune were the only two quarterbacks to survive final roster cuts, meaning the team jettisoned four other signal callers, including presumptive starter Colt McCoy. Kyler Murray doesn’t have to count toward the 53-man roster because he remains on the PUP list and will be out for at least the first four games. Murray’s return date remains uncertain, and there are unsubstantiated rumors that Murray might not play this year.
Running Backs
James Conner had only one rushing attempt during the preseason, as his only goal this summer was to remain healthy. Keaontay Ingram did enough to lock down the No. 2 spot. The big story is that undrafted rookie Emari Demercado made the 53-man roster as the No. 3 over veteran Corey Clement.
Wide Receivers
Marquise Brown, Michael Wilson, and Rondale Moore did not play in the preseason finale. Arizona has recently made trades to send off expiring contracts for draft capital. There has been speculation Moore could be traded, but nothing materialized before rosters were finalized. Greg Dortch made the team but isn’t projected as a starter. Zach Pascal should get the starting nod alongside Moore and Brown, at least until the coaches are ready to trust Wilson in a lead role.
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz and Trey McBride remain at the top of the depth chart. Ertz was activated off the PUP list two weeks ago. The team has featured 12-personnel grouping often this summer. Veteran Geoff Swaim was signed late into camp but provides a great blocking presence. Undrafted rookie Blake Whiteheart finished second in receptions during the preseason.
Defense
Arizona traded safety Isaiah Simmons to the New York Giants for a seventh-round pick. The team lacks top-end talent outside of safety Budda Baker. They will enter the 2023 season with a bottom-tier defense. The new coaching staff is looking to rebuild from the ground up. Inside linebacker Kyzir White should help Baker elevate the unit on and off the field. Josh Woods has been playing well and is competing with Krys Barnes and Owen Pappoe for the starting spot next to White. Arizona recently activated their second-round pick, B.J. Ojulari, but he’s not fully healthy and may have re-aggravated a hamstring injury. The team also awaits the return of cornerback Garrett Williams. Another rookie cornerback Kei’Trel Clark, looks to be a Week 1 starter opposite of Marco Wilson. The defense will need Williams back as soon as possible. The defense will need all the help they can get for their pass rush. Additional rushers will include Zaven Collins, Cameron Thomas, Dennis Gardeck, and Myjai Sanders. Jesse Luketa has been an intriguing player, considering he got a sack and played fullback in the final preseason game.
Returners
The Cardinals have allocated most of their special teams reps to Greg Dortch, the most experienced returner on the roster.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Kyler Murray is currently rehabilitating his ACL injury, with no official timetable for his return. Colt McCoy started the second preseason game, completing 5-of-8 passes for 25 yards. Clayton Tune entered the game during the fourth possession, completing 12-of-24 passes for 133 yards. Coach Jonathan Gannon states, “Being a rookie quarterback he needs the reps.” He continued, “I think he did do a good job getting us out of trouble a couple of times, extending some plays.” Tune acknowledged the need to settle his feet, stating, “focusing in on being accurate and working those throws with people at my feet.” Tune also contributed 35 rushing yards on six attempts. David Blough went 3-of-4 passing for 31 yards. There is no clarity yet on who will be the Week 1 starter, although McCoy starting this game may indicate he’s got the slight edge.
Running Backs
James Conner started the game, rushing for 15 yards on two carries. Keaontay Ingram entered during the third possession, tallying seven carries for 28 yards and one touchdown. Coach Gannon says, “He’s running violent out there.” He further stated, “Made some runs and made a couple of guys miss.” He also had two receptions for 20 yards. Ingram also had two receptions for 20 yards. Undrafted rookie Emari Demercado contributed eight carries for 12 yards and three receptions for 22 yards. Corey Clement, competing for the RB2 role, only managed two carries for three yards. It appears Ingram has secured the No. 2 position, as he had four snaps with the starters out of 15.
Wide Receivers
Marquise Brown has been ramping up his practice work over the last few weeks. He did see limited game action, catching one pass for 12 yards. Rookie Michael Wilson gives credit to the Arizona defense for helping his development. He started outside over Zach Pascal and played 14-of-15 snaps with the starters. It appears Wilson has secured the No. 2 role. Greg Dortch almost scored on his sole catch. Coach Gannon calls him “tough and scrappy.” Interestingly, he did not have a snap with the starters. Rondale Moore had the third most wide receiver snaps. He finished with three targets, two receptions, and one carry. The battle for the No. 3 spot between Dortch and Moore is too close to call.
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz returned to practice after being activated from the PUP list. Trey McBride logged 13 snaps with the first-team offense and had two targets, also functioning as a lead blocker on plays. Geoff Swaim had nine snaps and three targets, suggesting Arizona prefers two tight ends on the field, starting with 12 personnel. To finish the game, Blake Whiteheart led the group with 33 snaps, and Noah Togiai played 25 snaps.
Defense
The defense struggled against Kansas City, failing to achieve a sack or interception. They allowed 393 passing yards and 504 total yards. Coach Gannon was “displeased” about surrendering too many explosive plays. He added, “We got to get cleaned up, or that’s what’s going to happen against a good football team.” Outside linebackers Cameron Thomas, B.J. Ojulari, and Myjai Sanders were absent, while Zaven Collins played all ten snaps on the edge. Isaiah Simmons did not play well, allowing two touchdowns. Coach Gannon said, “We’ll go back to the tape and get him cleaned up.” Both Collins and Simmons are learning new positions. Rookie cornerback Kei’Trel Clark played the first three defensive series. He is one of three rookies projected to start. Rookie linebacker Owen Pappoe held the green dot (play-calling responsibility) for a portion of the game, as he did in the preseason opener. Inside linebackers Kyzir White and Josh Woods impressed, with Woods causing a fumble. The young Arizona defense is learning a new system under first-year defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. After an impressive first game, the unit regressed n Week 2.
Offensive Line
The Cardinals underwent a significant overhaul of their offensive line this year, bringing in three new players. Rookie first-rounder Paris Johnson has looked sharp in preseason action and will start immediately at right tackle over veteran Kelvin Beachum. Left guard Elijah Wilkinson is a steady pass blocker who started nine games at the same position last year in Atlanta. At center, Hjalte Froholdt has been outstanding all summer, winning the job over Pat Elflein and rookie Jon Gaines. Although the initial rankings place them 29th, the changes in personnel signal improvement and untapped potential.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Colt McCoy started the first preseason game, completing all four passes for 17 yards. Rookie Clayton Tune entered the game on the second drive and played into the fourth quarter. He went 13-for-23 for 135 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The interception came on his first drive. Coach Jonathan Gannon said, “I thought he settled down, I thought he made some plays,” and he was “pleased with the operation.” Tune broke down his touchdown play, noting he understood his receiver would be open. David Blough finished the game; he completed 8-of-14 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. He threw a touchdown with two seconds left to set up Arizona for a game-winning two-point conversion. Kyler Murray continues to rehab his ACL injury, and teammate McCoy expects him to return “sooner rather than later.”
Running Backs
Corey Clement started against the Broncos and tallied nine touches for 28 yards before exiting with an injury; we don’t yet know the severity. He has been battling Keontay Ingram for the No. 2 role and appeared to have the edge because Ingram has missed time recently with an abdomen injury. Both veterans are ahead of Ty’Son Williams, who didn’t play until later in the game but did manage 51 yards on ten carries. Marlon Mack barely had time to decorate his locker before tearing his Achille’s tendon; he’s out for the season and may be done for his career. Undrafted rookie Emari Demercado had six carries and the game-winning two-point conversion. James Conner is probably going to get as many touches as he can handle once the regular season gets underway unless the Cardinals add a proven veteran like Leonard Fournette soon. Coach Gannon is “comfortable” with Conner handling a heavy workload.
Wide Receivers
Marquise Brown did not play against the Broncos, as expected. But he’s the unquestioned alpha receiver on the team. He’s not concerned about playing in a run-heavy system, either, stating, “I played in Baltimore.” Veteran Zach Pascal and rookie Michael Wilson are vying for the other outside receiver spot, while Rondale Moore appears to be locked into a slot role. Moore didn’t play on the outside against the Broncos, even without Brown in the lineup. Coach Gannon explained what Wilson needs to do to increase his chances at a starting role: “See if he can get open against Surtain.” Undrafted rookie Daniel Arias led Arizona in receiving yards, finishing with 49 yards. Yet, he stands little chance of overtaking Greg Dortch for the final spot on the 53-man roster.
Tight Ends
Trey McBride will have a big role this season, with or without Zach Ertz. Veteran Ertz was cleared to resume football activities after ACL and MCL injuries ended his season in Week 10 last year. It's not clear when he will resume full team activities, but it's an important step and hints at a sooner-than-feared return for Ertz. Rookie Blake Whiteheart led Arizona with seven targets and five receptions in the game, finishing with 42 yards. He is an undrafted free agent looking to make the roster or practice squad. Veteran Geoff Swaim had a catch and also blocked well. Several prominent beat writers view McBride, Swaim, and Ertz as roster locks but see Whiteheart on the bubble.
Defense
The defense held Denver to 17 points. The pass rushers are young and looking to make an impact. Second-year Cameron Thomas had the only sack in the game. He’s set for a potential breakout season. The squad is getting healthier. Rookie edge rusher B.J. Ojulari was activated from the PUP list. Myjai Sanders returned to practice after missing time with a hand injury. Zaven Collins is learning a new position, moving to outside linebacker from the inside. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis called Collins ”a big, violent man.” Isaiah Simmons is also transitioning from a primarily in-the-box safety to a roaming nickel back. He’s happy with the change, “I felt comfortable getting back to the things I have done in the past.”
Returners
Greg Dortch, the most experienced returner on the roster, has received the majority of special teams reps.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Kyler Murray is rehabbing a torn ACL injury with the aim of returning by Week 1, approximately nine months after the injury. Throughout his recovery, Murray has been actively participating in any way he can. Head coach Jonathan Gannon describes him as "a ball junkie." Meanwhile, the starting job between seasoned veteran Colt McCoy and rookie Clayton Tune is up for grabs. McCoy shared his perspective on the situation, “I’m really trying to avoid doing that.” He further states, “...we’re sort of all in the same boat here, and that we’re all learning a new system.” As a fifth-round selection, Tune exudes confidence in himself, and Gannon affirms, "I think he is operating at a high level." Gannon also praises Tune's arm talent, noting that he "plays fast" as well. Throughout training camp, Tune has been actively taking reps with the first-team offensive line and receiving regular reps with the second unit.
Running Backs
Gannon is comfortable with James Conner remaining the lead back, according to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss. Keaontay Ingram has been sidelined for an undisclosed reason but remains solidly in the team’s plans. Veteran Marlon Mack joined the team last week, and it was not a reflection on the rostered running backs. Gannon is “excited to get [Mack] acclimated.” Either Mack or veteran Corey Clement likely slot in as the No. 2, at least until Ingram returns to practice and we see evidence of an increased role during first-team drills.
Wide Receivers
The offense finds a new identity with the incoming coaching staff as offensive coordinator Greg Petzing installs his playbook. Marquise Brown is locked in as the No. 1 target, but the rest of the target share is less codified. Rookie Michael Wilson and veteran Greg Dortch have stood out in camp. Coach Gannon took note of Wilson’s progress, “He’s light years ahead when he came in for rookie minicamp, and that’s good to see.” Petzing is keen on seeing how Wilson handles press coverage as joint practices and preseason games get underway. Wilson scored two touchdowns in the Red-White Scrimmage. Dortch is getting open routinely as his route precision creates separation. Rondale Moore hasn’t been as eye-opening, but he’s had a few highlights. Zach Pascal is a veteran wide receiver and has familiarity with the coaching staff. He and Wilson may be important pieces, as Gannon stresses the importance of run-blocking.
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz, the talented tight end, is currently rehabbing a torn ACL injury and has been placed on the PUP list. While there's no fixed timetable for his return, he remains eligible to be activated at any time once he's deemed fit by the medical staff. In the meantime, Trey McBride has encountered some minor injuries. These "knicks" have led to him missing several practices. On the positive side, Noah Togiai, who joined the team in February, has showcased his skills during camp, even connecting with rookie Clayton Tune for an impressive touchdown. Should Ertz and McBride's health situations remain uncertain, Togiai could potentially earn significant playing time. Veteran Geoff Swaim, Bernhard Seikovits, and Blake Whiteheart are also vying for roster spots.
Defense
The coaching staff is inexperienced in their new roles but brings an impressive defensive background from their prior roles. Gannon was the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis was the Eagles’ linebackers coach. That experience is essential to turning around a unit that finished 31st in points allowed and toward the bottom of the league in turnovers and sacks. The Cardinals had 36 sacks while blitzing 34.5% of the time, versus the Eagles, who led the league with 70 sacks but blitzed just 22.1% of the time. Safety Budda Baker is cementing himself as the team leader. Linebacker Kyzir White – who was in Philadelphia last year – is wearing the green dot and is calling plays. Isaiah Simmons has been experimenting at safety. “He is elevating his game,” said Gannon. Jalen Thompson has moved to slot corner. Rallis said linebacker Zaven Collins would be used “multiple ways,” from expanding to the edge or playing inside. Second-year linebacker Cameron Thomas has been tabbed as a breakout candidate.
