GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals are 2-0, but why does it feel like the team is struggling? The reason for the melancholy shadow over the team is because of a lackluster offensive attack that is only averaging 20 points through the first two weeks. Week 1 could be excused because of QB Kyler Murray’s sickness but the near 24-point collapse in the home opener the following week is an eye-opener for the franchise.
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Sep 14, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up prior to the first half against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Head coach Jonathan Gannon on near collapse:
“I obviously have to do a much better job making our guys, all three phases, understand how to close games out, because that’s two in a row now we’re not doing a good enough job. So that falls strictly on me. I got a lot of work to do, and that’s what we’ll do tonight and tomorrow, because we got to do better there.”
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
Gannon takes the blame, but the blame could go to a heap of people. However, the main suspect has to be the play caller for the offense in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. The third-year OC has led Arizona to a top five rushing attack in his first two seasons but hasn’t had the same success to begin 2025.
Through the first two games, the Cardinals are currently 13th in rushing yards per game and 10th in yards per carry. Those are good numbers, but compared to previous years doesn’t meet the standard of the franchise.
The offensive line hasn’t met the standards it set for itself last year. Constant holding penalties and false start, have showed the regression of the offensive line in 2025, which has soiled the run game up to this point. Since the rushing attack isn’t one of the league’s best it has only amplify how weak the passing attack has become.
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
Murray is currently 26th in passing yards per game, averaging 170.5 in the first two weeks. That is nearly a 44-yard decrease compared to last year. The reason for the decline is the lack of explosive plays downfield. Outside of the 45-yard pass to Marvin Harrison Jr., Murray doesn’t get many opportunities to throw deep balls.
A majority of routes for Harrison or Trey McBride are short, intermediate routes in front of the sticks. With the limited offensive weapons outside of those two, defenses are loading up against them, making it harder for Murray to operate the offense.
Arizona will need to either pickup the run game back to being top five or give more freedom to Murray to go downfield and target his 6’3+ targets as deep threats.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
