GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals had a lackluster 2025 debut. Less than 300 total offensive yards and just squeaking towards 20 points against a New Orleans Saints defense touted as one of the weakest units in the league. Quarterback Kyler Murray’s sickness could be the cause for the slow start, but Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon sees a deeper issue as the team heads into Week 2 vs. the Carolina Panthers.
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Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs around end against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Gagnon on Cardinals biggest problem being the offense:
“After scoring on four consecutive drives spanning from the end of the first quarter to the start of the third quarter in a Week 1 victory over the Saints, the Cards failed to register points on each of their final four offensive possessions.
“Penalties and broken plays were a factor as the offense failed to sustain a promising start (beyond a first-drive punt), and they allowed the Saints to hang around as a result.”
Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) stiff arms Carolina Panthers linebacker Jacoby Windmon (41) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Gagnon continued that Arizona could survive another slow offensive performance against Carolina, but it shouldn’t come to that on Sunday. Despite the Cardinals losing seven of its last eight games against the Panthers, the explosive run game should be enough to pound its opponent.
The slow offensive game by Arizona didn’t necessary include the run game, that surpass 100+ rushing yards against New Orleans. RBs Trey Benson and James Conner battled against a tough Saints D-line to break away on some hard-nose runs to get first downs and drive down the field.
Sep 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The Panthers struggled mightily against the run in Week 1 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars, allowing 200 rushing yards with Travis Etienne Jr. having 143 of those yards. The speediness of Etienne was too much for Carolina, which sets the stage for Murray to have a sensational game.
During the teams last matchup, Murray had eight carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. Conner added 117 rushing yards of his home to help bring the team total to 198 yards. Arizona is one of the best running attacks in the NFL for the past two years under head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
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 Saints had a heavy focus to take away the run game, which the Panthers might not be as well equipped to handle against the Cardinals dominating run game and stellar offensive line. The combination of those aspects should lead to Arizona having an electric offensive output in front of the home fans.
Cardinals preparing to face off against former Arizona standout McMillan in Week 2
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
