LAS VEGAS – Thursday night’sĀ preseason opener is less about the final score and more about identifying whether the Arizona Cardinals’ offense is beginning to develop an identity.
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ā Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 13, 2026
One of the biggest questions for the Cardinals will be whether Jacoby Brissett can quickly find his rhythm. His abbreviated workload means there may not be enough snaps to evaluate the entire system, but even a handful of possessions can reveal plenty. Command of the huddle, timing with his receivers and the ability to consistently stay ahead of the chains will matter more than explosive numbers. Brissett is also playing catch-up after his contract holdout, making his comfort level one of the nightās biggest storylines. Arizona doesnāt need to unveil its entire playbook. It needs evidence that Brissett is getting comfortable inside it.
Jan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws downfield against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Another major factor that Cardinals fans will be ready to see is whether Jeremiyah Love finally gets his first taste of NFL Action. Loveās debut could be brief, but that doesnāt make it insignificant. Arizona invested heavily in the rookie, and fans finally get to see whether his explosiveness translates against professional competition. A handful of carries or a reception could be enough to create an early impression. The real objective, however, is evaluating his vision, decisiveness and ability to operate within the offense.
Running back Jeremiyah Love – the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft – carries the ball during Cardinals training camp on July 26. Credits: Joe Rondone / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The last major thing to keep an eye out for is whether Carson Beck continues to show promise. Beckās preseason debut created immediate excitement, but the harder challenge is proving it wasnāt a one-night flash. That makes efficiency critical. Accurate throws, smart decisions and consistent command of the offense would represent meaningful progress. For Arizona, this isnāt about preseason statistics. Itās about discovering which pieces can become reliable building blocks. Brissettās command, Loveās explosiveness, and Beckās development offer three different windows into where this offense could be heading.
Aug 6, 2026; Canton, Ohio, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) throws the ball against Carolina Panthers cornerback Corey Thornton (31) at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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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,Ā @BenBliklen
