GLENDALE – A few months into the Mike LaFleur era for the Arizona Cardinals has looked like a seamless fit. The offensive guru has quickly installed his system and scheme, with Arizona players loving what they’re seeing from their coach. Offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. spoke with Arizona Sports about how in a short time LaFleur has made a massive impact. Johnson highlighted the learning curve the offense, excited for the future.
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Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) is introduced before their game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 21, 2024. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Johnson on LaFleur’s scheme:
“I love the philosophy that they have for the offense. I believe that not only myself, but the guys across all units on the offense love what they’re bringing and the style of offense that comes with them. Not just the terminology and the reasons behind the identity that we’re going to now for our offense. I think just the energy in which they teach it and how fast we’re able to pick up the system.
“We picked it up fast. … We’re still at the surface, still at the beginning, but coach LaFleur, coach Hackett, great energy, especially coach Hackett. … Having those guys being able to teach the offense, I think this is the perfect system for me and a perfect system for a lot of the guys in this locker room. I know a lot of guys are excited to get flying around in this system.”
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (70) against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Voluntary workouts and rookie minicamps have given LaFleur an adjustment period to install his system. Johnson states that for the past months of workouts and learning the scheme has illustrated how perfect he sees it for plenty of guy on the roster. LaFleur has spent the early stages of his tenure focusing on pre-snap operations and executions.
LaFleur will be the offensive playcaller for the franchise, his first opportunity since with the New York Jets in 2021. Previous head coach Jonathan Gannon didn’t call the plays offensively or defensively during his time in Arizona. Last time a Cardinals head coach called plays was Kliff Kingsbury, who was also considered an offensive genius when he arrived in 2019.
Despite only being drafted in 2023, Johnson is one of the vocal leaders for the offense. Earning the 24-year-old’s respect speaks volume for LaFleur’s impact and offense on the franchise already.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
