GLENDALE – As the season approaches, quarterback battles are nearing their end, and teams are naming their Week 1 starter. The Arizona Cardinals have the 27th easiest strength of schedule based on last year’s record, and it becomes clear why with the QB starters the defense will face within the first six weeks.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Many of names are either rookies, in a new situation, or coming off a rough 2024 season. However, the schedule fits perfectly for Arizona, that possess a young secondary that will get a chance to face plenty of young, inexperienced quarterbacks to grow them accustomed to the NFL.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cardinals first six quarterbacks they’ll face in 2025 season:
The combined record from last season of the field of QBs is 26-34, with Sam Darnold being a clear outlier at 14-3 on the Minnesota Vikings. During the 2024 season, the QBs had a TD-INT ratio of 82-45 (1.82), which would’ve been 26th worst in the league. Despite the Cardinals top three cornerbacks, Will Johnson, Max Melton and Garrett Williams, having an average age of 23 years old, the six starting QBs will be an average age of 25 years old when they face off next season.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) and wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is a former NFC Champion, and Darnold did lead a team to the third best record in the NFL last season. Arizona won’t be just playing rookies and backups through the first six weeks. However, the quality of quarterback play greatly increases past the opening stretch of schedule, with 10 of the last 11 games played against Pro Bowl QBs.
Aug 2, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during the Red and White practice in training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
2nd-round pick Johnson is praised for his defensive IQ and will be tested as the team’s CB1, while Garrett Williams had the highest PFF zone-coverage grade of any defensive back in the NFL. The cornerback room is young, but it is still uber talented and should benefit from the first six weeks.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
