GLENDALE – The Cardinals’ pass rush hasn’t just disappointed, it’s fundamentally misaligned. Despite a talented roster and a scheme that avoids over-reliance on blitzes, Arizona is generating pressure at a rate that places it third-lowest in the NFL.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona linebacker Josh Sweat (10) and defensive tackle Dante Stills (55) sack Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) in the third quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
This has had a strategic impact on Arizona this season. A unit that can’t make the quarterback uncomfortable weakens the entire defensive structure. Underneath the secondary fades, deep-ball vulnerability grows, and offenses lean on time and space, and that has hurt Arizona badly during its five-game losing streak. For Cards fans, it’s the frustration of watching one-dimensional drives slip through the line. Nationally, it speaks to broader themes of roster construction in today’s league, and that talent isn’t enough without scheme and urgency.
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) is sacked by Arizona outside linebackers Josh Sweat (10) and Baron Browning (5) during the second quarterat State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Emotionally, the effect is psychological. When the rush fails, the defense tries to cover long enough and hopes for a stop. That brings fatigue, and fan cynicism. The data confirms it, as with a 23.3% pressure rate, the Cardinals’ rush is merely average, while the expectation was elevated. Newcomers Josh Sweat and Baron Browning have had their moments, but are nowhere near making the noise they need to be if they want the Cardinals’ defense to be successful.
The Cardinals have the 3rd-lowest pressure rate in the NFL at 23.3%, per @FTNFantasy, despite investing all these resources the past two years:
Sweat: $19.1M/year
Tomlinson: $14.5M
Jones: $10.1M
Browning: $7.5M
Collins: $7M
Nichols: $7M
Campbell: $5.5M
Robinson: Rd 1
Nolen: Rd 1— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) October 24, 2025
Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon spoke on the pass rush problems, “Four-man rush mechanics, I thought we were really good yesterday. Where we weren’t so good is on the back end. Just as (far as), are we taking away the first look? Are we on the right people? Are we closing windows? Are we winning leverage? That was the epitome of—we’ve probably had more production in games before that and you’re like, ’Oh, we’re rushing really good and then we didn’t rush good yesterday.” (Credit: Donnie Druin | Sports Illustrated)
Oct 12, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) passes the ball under pressure from Arizona outside linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during the second quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Cards must generate consistent pressure to unlock their secondary and shift momentum. Roster upgrades alone won’t fix the issue; scheme adaptation and play-style clarity must follow. Arizona’s front office should watch pressure rate and sack-to-pressure conversion, not just sack totals, to assess defensive progress.
Kyler Murray’s winning streak at AT&T Stadium is in serious trouble
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
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
