GLENDALE – The time is now for the Arizona Cardinals to prove that they are contenders and ready to take that next step. What does that mean for the outlook of the 2025 NFL season, and what would be considered a success for Arizona?
Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) gestures against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Cardinals Quarterback Kyler Murray will be under the spotlight this season, as the goal isn’t just to make the playoffs, but to go on a deep run. It’s not a now-or-never season, though it feels pretty close to it. The Cardinals’ front office has recently added key pieces, which will help Head Coach Jonathan Gannon build and grow the personnel to run his aggressive scheme.
Aug 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
What Cardinals fans can expect might not be what they are hoping for. The offense might be very similar to last season, with a run-first mindset driven by James Conner’s explosiveness. Kyler Murray will utilize every option he has, and will be finding his star tight end, Trey McBride, a lot as well. Marvin Harrison Jr. will be looking to grow in his second season with the Cardinals, though what his role will look like still might be up in the air. Harrison Jr. has physically bulked up and is poised to take a second year leap, though with all the options Arizona has on offense, he might not be main focus just yet.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Arizona’s defense will need time to gain chemistry and learn to play alongside each other. They have some beneficial matchups to start the season against the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers in the first two weeks, which should help with the learning curves. Expect the Cardinals’ defense to make some noise and have highlight plays, but they might not be at an elite level just yet.
it’s all led up to this. pic.twitter.com/ZFppZdy8yo
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 5, 2025
The Cardinals will go as far as Kyler Murray takes them. If he can stay healthy and step up in clutch moments, Arizona could end up having a chance to contend for the NFC West divisional title, along with getting the momentum for winning in the playoffs.
Cardinals’ Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. comment on growing relationship
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
