GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals are a fascinating team heading into the 2025 season. Many experts have the team in various different positions, missing the playoffs, making the playoffs, winning the NFC West and anything else in-between. Arizona is an unknown commodity with all the new pieces added this offseason.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Fox Sports Ralph Vacchiano appears to be on the higher end with his latest power rankings, putting the Cardinals 13th. The franchise is the sixth-highest NFC team and the highest-ranked NFC West team. However, Vacchiano has one clause to Arizona’s rankings: Kyler Murray.
Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Vacchiano on Cardinals 13th ranking:
“Which is the most telling sign for Kyler Murray: The part where he went 7 of 8 for 96 yards in preseason action, or the fact that the one incompletion was an ugly interception? There is understandable worry about Murray. The past few years haven’t given anyone reason to think he’s a lock to return to his Pro Bowl form. But I’m still betting on him getting better as he gets further away from the ACL tear he suffered in late 2022. With a strengthened defense and loads of talent on offense and playing in a weakened division, this could be one of the surprise teams of the year. It really all depends on Murray.”
Sep 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon talks with Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The third-year connection with Murray and head coach Jonathan Gannon is expected to be the best iteration yet. Compared to Murray’s first head coach in Kliff Kingsbury, the third year of that duo was the last undefeated team in the NFL in 2021 and made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
Despite the end result not being pretty, it was indicative of the chemistry the pair has had, which is similar to how Murray and Gannon’s relationship has developed off the past three years. Gannon and his staff, including offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, have gained the trust of the 28-year-old.
“I’d say the confidence,” Murray said on what’s most different about the Cardinals. “[Gannon], obviously at the helm, has built a foundation and a system where guys can believe in something and guys fall in line and listen and believe in what he’s preaching.”
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon watches center Sincere Haynesworth (61) perform a drill during training camp at State Farm Stadium on July 23, 2025.
The confidence and belief is knotted into this roster from the bench to the superstar quarterback. The time to take the leap is seen as now from Murray and the rest of the organization. Experts like Vacchiano believes in the team, it’s up to Arizona to live up to the believers.
Cardinals two newest additions to the practice squad ahead of Week 1 opener
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
