GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals had its most efficient offensive game of the 2025 season, scoring 27 points and having 400 total yards of scrimmage. Sunday’s offensive success was surprising because of backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett being under center leading to this type of production.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!While Brissett played well, the play calling seemed to be much different compared to previous weeks. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who usually relies on the ground game to get the offense going, called plenty of play action vs. the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6.
Brissett threw the ball 44 times, the most by a Cardinals quarterback all season. The increase play action and pass plays was viewed as just taking advantage of what the defense was showing Arizona, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Gannon on the usage of play action:
“Its depending on what calls [Colts] are in. Sometimes there’s guys open on the second or third level, and sometimes they take it away and you can check the ball down and get some positive yardage. It marries up with the run game.”
Oct 12, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) and wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The injuries to running back James Conner and Trey Benson has started to change Petzing’s scheme. Through six weeks, the Cardinals are 8th in pass plays frequency at 60.4%, over a 5% increase from last season. On Sunday, it was nearly 65% pass plays for the Cardinals.
Petzing using play action more could be because of opposing team’s knowing his run-heavy approach to his play calling and using that against defense. When the team is in 13 personnel, it forces the defense to load the box, which can open up one-on-one opportunities for Arizona wide receivers. Zay Jones benefited greatly from this, recording the most receiving yards in over three years in Week 6.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 31, 2023. © Mark Henle / USA TODAY NETWORK
To continue this momentum offensively when starter Kyler Murray returns under center, the Cardinals will need to keep the pressure on difference by forcing one-on-one matchups in play action.
Cardinals QB Brissett’s performance against Colts sparks debate among fans
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
