Cardinals’ offense set up for success vs. Titans in Week 5

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals’ offense has had a rough fall from grace in the 2025 season. Under the leadership of head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Arizona has boasted a fringe top 10 offense over the past two years due to its elite run game. However, with two-time Pro Bowl running back James Conner out for the season, the offense is in a rough spot.

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The expected replacement, Trey Benson, lasted one game as the start before being placed on injury reserve. The Cardinals are now left with a RB room of Michael Carter and Emari Demercado. Despite that development, Arizona’s offense is due for a bounce back performance against a struggling Tennessee Titans defense in Week 5.

Keys to success for Cardinals offense:

The Titans are 28th in rushing yards allowed per game (141.5) and 25th in yards per carry allowed (4.8). Tennessee do have talented defensive lineman, like Jeffery Simmons, who has a 90.1 PFF pass rush grade in 2025. However, Simmons and his teammates all possess PFF run grades below 60.0, which puts them around the 60th percentile and below around the league.

Petzing will need the offense to punish the Titans lackluster run defense, which will likely result in an increase in 13 personnel. No team runs a three tight end set more than Arizona, which will help a struggling offensive line. Injuries have played a part in the offensive line struggles, but each lineman has had a significant decrease to their PFF run block grade compared to 2024.

The extra rest from the Thursday night game will due the Cardinals offensive lineman well to get healthy. Reports have indicated that Will Hernandez could be returning to the lineup sooner rather than later, which will only elevate the unit back to its old standards.

The Cardinals have faced off some talented defensive fronts to start the season, with the Titans possibly being a nice change of pace for the team. Sunday could be a get right game for the offensive line to insert themselves back to being elite. If the unit could do that, it won’t matter who Arizona has as its running back, as the holes will be wide open for Carter or Demercado.

Cardinals DL Darius Robinson out Week 5 vs. Titans

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports