GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals did essentially added nothing to the offense this offseason. Of the 20 offensive players to start, 18 are on the roster, with 10 of 11 2024 Week 1 starters expected to be for this season. The only “new” addition was right guard Isaiah Adams, who started the last five games of last year because of Will Hernandez ACL tear, who just re-signed with the team earlier in August.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The NFL’s 11th ranked offense is running it back with essentially the same personnel, a fact that offensive coordinator Drew Petzing loves to see.
Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing walks on the sideline before the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing on lack of new personnel:
“There’s some conversations that you’re skipping over because you’ve already had them so you can dive into some of the deeper details of the job in a lot of different areas, which has been great,” Petzing said.
Jul 27, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray talks to offensive coordinator Drew Petzing during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic
Arizona had one of the best running attacks in the NFL being near the top in yards per game and yards per carry. The team is very run heavy, which is why the Cardinals elected to keep four tight ends on the 53-man roster to run more 13 personnel to expand on its already electric run game. All four tight ends were in the organization, whether on the main roster or practice squad, so the connectivity remains the high.
The biggest gain from returning starters from last year is on the offensive line. The chemistry and bond built between the lineman in the trenches is priceless. Center Hjalte Froholdt discussed how, even during mistakes, the team’s communication remains strong because of the time played together.
Froholdt on the team’s communication:
“Communication is good and even if there’s a mistake — mistakes happen. It’s still quick to be like, ‘Hey I need to do that better.’ Or you can identify your own mistakes before you even talk to somebody. It was like ‘Hey, I messed up. It was supposed to be this because I didn’t check to that properly quick enough,’ instead of coach coming over and being like, ‘Hey did you see the nickel?’ And he’s like, ‘No.’ So, everybody communicates, so that’s really awesome to be a part of.”
Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Hjalte Froholdt (72) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Over the years, Arizona’s offensive line has struggled to have a consistent and healthy unit. Despite Hernandez’ ACL tear, the offensive line remained almost a complete and healthy unit, which is a rarity with quarterback Kyler Murray under center.
The run game will only improved with the same offensive line and the one-two punch of James Conner and Trey Benson using their power as a down-hill back. Conner and Benson’s run game will open the door for Murray to find his two favorite targets in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, who have made massive strides during the offense whether with their body or on the field.
The Cardinals’ offense should be primed for a serious run to being a top 10 offense because of the lack of turnover amongst the personnel.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
