GLENDALE – ESPN released an NFL Power Ranking following the conclusion of the major free agency moves and it had the Arizona Cardinals surprisingly low. The list includes dozens of ESPN writers who ranked every franchise from best to worst and an under-the-radar move during the offseason. The top 10 is no surprise, filled with Super Bowl contenders from last year, but a shocker is the placement of the Arizona Cardinals at 20th.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Cardinals had a stellar offseason, signing Pro Bowl edge rusher Josh Sweat to bolster their front seven. Fixing its pass rush was the franchise’s number-one priority at the end of last season. Regardless, ESPN has Arizona as the 11th-best NFC team and the worst NFC West team heading into 2025.
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon looks on from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the low ranking, ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss highlighted the signing of Jacoby Brissett and his impact on the team.
Weinfuss on Brissett’s importance to Cardinals:
“There are two reasons for this answer. The first is that Brissett has experience in Arizona’s scheme having played for offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork in Cleveland, so the transition should be seamless for him. The second is that he’s another veteran presence for Kyler Murray in the quarterback room, someone who can help him navigate life as a professional, even though he’s heading into Year 7.”
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are paired together at 15th and 16th, while the Los Angeles Rams are within the top 10 at 8th after a run into the NFC Divisional round last year. The NFC West underwent systemic changes through each team of the division. The Seahawks traded their franchise quarterbacks, the Rams released their star wide receiver, and the 49ers lost a majority of their defensive personnel in free agency.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) looks on after losing to the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
The Cardinals doubled their win total last year and finished third in the division. Arizona has a lot of confidence and it shows with the money spent by general manager Monti Ossenfort on this roster to compete. Head coach Jonathan Gannon’s squad is entering the third year with him at the helm and it’s the perfect time to strike with the NFC West as open as it’s ever been.
ESPN had the Cardinals lower than fans would’ve expected, but the decision sets the table for the franchise to overachieve and shock the world heading into 2025.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
