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[Arizona Cardinals]

4 studs and 4 duds from the Cardinals’ loss to the Seahawks

The Cardinals lost to the Seahawks on Thursday night after orchestrating a fourth-quarter comeback. Trailing 20-6, Arizona rallied to tie the game with 28 seconds left before kicker Jason Myers nailed a 52-yard field goal to put the game to bed.

Now that the dust has settled, here is a look at who or what helped and hurt the Cardinals in Week 4.

Stud: Second-half Marvin Harrison Jr.​

After struggling in the first half, stopping in his route and dropping a ball that ultimately led to two interceptions, Harrison Jr. bounced back, finishing with four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown on the final two possessions, including a touchdown reception over cornerback Devon Witherspoon. His performance in the final minutes of the game showcased his true potential as a No. 1 wide receiver.

Dud: Overall offensive output​

Despite the surge in the fourth quarter that resulted in 14 points, the Cardinals only totaled 253 total yards on the night. They have yet to reach 300 yards of offense in a single game this season. Additionally, Arizona converted only three of 11 third-down attempts. The offense continues to be disjointed because wide receivers can’t get consistent separation, offensive scheme and play-calling, offensive line inconsistencies, and dropped passes.

Stud: TE Trey McBride​

McBride continues to remain a bright spot on a crooked Cardinals offense. He recorded seven receptions on 11 targets for 52 yards. McBride led Arizona in catches and targets and finished second in receiving yards.

Dud: Early-game Kyler Murray​

Murray should shoulder some of the blame for his play for nearly all but the fourth quarter. While the two interceptions weren’t necessarily his fault, Murray had just 116 passing yards and averaged 4.0 yards per attempt, and was also 2 of 9 for 33 yards on throws of 10+ air yards in that span.

Stud: Late-game Kyler Murray​

Murray shook off his early turnovers and threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns, leading the offense to two late scoring drives to tie the game at 20. He also had a key 29-yard scramble in the fourth quarter.

Dud: Pass protection​

The Cardinals knew that they were going to face a really good Seahawks front. However, they failed to neutralize it. Murray was pressured on 14 occasions and sacked six times. Guard Isaiah Adams was the primary culprit, allowing five pressures, four hurries, and a sack.

Stud: Calais Campbell​

Campbell continues to show that age is just a number. Impactful primarily early on in the game, the 39-year-old registered his third sack of the season and made a crucial tackle for loss.

Dud: Chad Ryland’s kickoff blunder​

After tying the game at 20 apiece, Ryland’s kickoff landed short of the landing zone, resulting in a penalty that gave the Seahawks the ball at their own 40-yard line and set up the game-winning field goal. Jonathan Gannon did defend Ryland, attributing the short kick to an attempt to burn off clock time. Aside from that, credit to Ryland for nailing a 56-yard field goal earlier in the game.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/g...-duds-from-the-cardinals-loss-to-the-seahawks

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Confidence in the Arizona Cardinals was gone before the game even started… so now what?

Happy Saturday one and all.

The Arizona Cardinals sit at 2-2 and are 0-2 within the division. Their two losses are by a combined four-points, and both losses came as time expired.

So, to say they are close is an understatement.

However, as the old saying goes, close only counts in horseshoes and grenades, and the Cardinals are trying to win in the NFL.

Before the game kicked off, I made a call to wait to release this weeks confidence poll until after the game concluded, because I wanted to see how different the perception or reality would be after the game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Now, it will be even more interesting as only 18% of the Cardinals fans are confident in the direction of the team.

For a team that was 2-1 and the loss came at the last second against a divisional rival, that is low, especially with what we have seen around the NFL this year.

However, coming out of the game, you have to imagine it will fall to single digits at this point.

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Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cardinals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/n...gone-before-the-game-even-started-so-now-what

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals Winners & Losers: Arizona cannot finish another game as they gift Seattle a 23-20 win

The Arizona Cardinals experienced what a Thursday Night Football contest is like on a national stage, produced by Prime Video, against NFC West Division foe the Seattle Seahawks. Most teams dislike the fact that the turnaround from Sunday games is just four days, but they enjoy the 10 days that follow the outcome.

Both teams needed a victory going into the game. Arizona stood at 2-1-0 after losing to the division leader San Francisco 49ers, in a contest they should have won. Seattle also entered the game with a 2-1-0 record, so the winner would have not only the upper hand in the division but an important division win, which is pivotal towards the end of the schedule. Seattle had beaten the Cardinals seven straight matches.

RELATED: CARDINALS FIND NEW WAY TO LOSE

The home game for the Cardinals was very quiet for most of the game because the Cardinals lacked any offense for three and a half quarters. Despite a deficit of 20-6, Arizona came back to tie the game, then lost it 23-20 with just 33 seconds left on the game clock.

So, who played well for the Cardinals? Who didn’t?

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WINNERS​

LB Akeem Davis-Gaither – This guy was everywhere all game. On the Seahawks’ first possession, they thought they were going to be cute and go for it at the Arizona 48-yard line with a fourth-and-one. It was Davis-Gaither who shot the gap after beating LG Grey Zabel and nailed RB Zach Charbonnet for no gain. Two plays earlier, he recognized the running play and was able to tackle RB Kenneth Walker for a three-yard loss. Davis-Gaither stopped Charbonnet for a two-yard loss early in the second quarter, then two plays later hit Walker for a four-yard gain on the third-and-19 to force a punt. Early in the fourth quarter, he stopped Walker on a first-and-goal. Led all Arizona defenders in tackles with 10.

Kyler Murray to Marvin Harrison Jr.!

We have a one-score game in Arizona.

SEAvsAZ on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/rihmRe0STr

— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2025

Fourth quarter QB Kyler Murray – Whatever woke him up, he needs to do that earlier. With just over nine minutes left in the game, Murray went to work. On the second play, Murray scrambled for 29 yards to get to Seattle’s 30. Hit McBride for nine yards, was sacked, and then threw the perfect pass to WR Marvin Harrison in the left corner of the end zone over the Seahawks’ best pass defender, CB Devon Witherspoon. Great management and vision of the field. On the Cardinals’ next drive, now down seven, he orchestrated a 12-play 57-yard drive that took just 2:48 off the clock. This included a successful fourth-and-four play in which Murray found WR Michael Wilson for a five-yard gain that moved the sticks with 3:01 left in the game. Another sack that was followed by a 15-yard completion that Murray laid in perfectly to WR Greg Dortch on a key third-and-nine. Then Murray found Harrison, who gained 18 on a third-and-five. Murray then laid out a smooth pass to RB Emari Demercado, who easily found the end zone for the tying touchdown. Excellent use of his receivers and had good pressure on him with two sacks, but was able to throw pinpoint passes.

P Blake Gillikin – If a team can’t move the ball on offense, you’d better have a good punter. Gillikin had a 57-yard kick in the second quarter that was downed inside the 20. Then he had a 63-yard boomer on the next possession with 3:58 left before halftime to Seattle’s eight-yard line. Finished with four kicks for 202 yards with a 50.5 yards per punt average, with three of those kicks landing inside the 20-yard line. Nice work.

Defense – For the majority of the game, the defense played its heart out and had constant pressure on Seahawks QB Sam Darnold. Only had three sacks, but that number should have been doubled. LB Mack Wilson had a good game, as did the two safeties, Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker. No picks, but one fumble recovery.

EMARI TIES IT UP pic.twitter.com/b6TpThvPj1

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 26, 2025

9:27 – That was how much time was left when Arizona took the ball in the fourth quarter and was down 20-6. From that time on, it was magic – minus the final 28 seconds of the game. Murray and Harrison finally connected several times with good runs by Demercado. Both TD drives looked very good and were what all of us as Cardinals fans envisioned this offense could look like.

TE Trey McBride – Was quiet in the final quarter, but was a steady receiver all game. On a third-and-seven in the second quarter at the 10:21 mark, McBride took a short pass from Murray and converted the first down. The very next play, he ran a deep route to the rightside and gained 17 yards to the Seahawks’ 32-yard line as he beat safety Julian Love. He did miss a key block on Witherspoon in the third quarter, which resulted in a seven-yard loss. McBride converted a third-and-eight with 7:24 left in the game with a nine-yard reception on Arizona’s first touchdown drive. Finished with 11 targets, seven catches for 52 yards, and a 7.4 yards per reception average.

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LOSERS​

Dumb mistakes – After tying the game with a completed PAT attempt, what does kicker Chad Ryland do? In his attempt to squib kick it to run off more seconds, he booted one yard short to the 21, thus getting a landing zone infraction. This gave the Seahawks the ball in great field position at the 40-yard line, instantly giving them good field position. The first interception was all QB Kyler Murray, as the ball sailed long and into an area where WR Marvin Harrison either wasn’t yet or was running a shallower route.

Kirk Herbstreit on Marvin Harrison Jr.'s struggles

He has 1 reception for 8 yards at the half and bobbled a catch that ended up intercepted. pic.twitter.com/WX8XjTUjjQ

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 26, 2025

Harrison had both hands on the ball, but not only dropped the pass, but instead of letting it drop to the ground, he batted it up, which of course ended up as the second pick. Max Melton stopped Charbonnet cold on the one-yard line, but did not wrap up and allowed him to get moving his legs for the Seahawks’ second TD. On the final Seattle drive, their best receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was given a sizeable buffer when the ball was snapped. His catch instantly placed the Seahawks in field goal range. Didn’t everyone in the stadium know that Seattle had to pass to get closer, so why gift the catch distance? On S Budda Baker’s pass interference penalty on TE Elijah Arroyo in the end zone with 1:23 left before the half, Baker never even looked back at the ball in flight, which most likely would have been either an interception or certainly a batted pass. The penalty was a gift that led to seven points.

No offense – First nine drives of the game, the offense had just 138 total yards. It included four punts, two interceptions, two field goals, and one loss of possession on downs. 83 passing yards in the first half. Average gain during these drives was 3.1 yards. Seven first downs. 3-9 on third down conversions. Murray was 8-21. Benson had four rushes for 23 yards. Plenty of birds in the stadium while this fiasco called an offense was going on: boo birds.

Three quarters QB Kyler Murray – The talented signalcaller had his moments, mostly during the final five minutes of the game. For the rest of the game, he was inconsistent, was sacked repeatedly as he was either flushed or the pocket collapsed, and missed his targets repeatedly. For most of the game, Murray looked rough and threw off target quite often. The second interception was placed in a small window that hit Harrison right in the hands and wasn’t his fault. But the first pick was all Murray as he threw under duress and missed his spot horribly. The team was lucky to get the ball back on the fumble recovery. Almost threw two more interceptions during the game. With 11:31 left in the first half, he missed a wide-open Harrison. Just :49 seconds left in the half at Arizona’s own 26-yard line, a pass intended for Harrison ended up right in the hands of LB Boye Mafe, who dropped the pass. Completed just eight passes in the first half.

It was a 6-sack night for the Seahawks:

Chenna with 2
Big Cat with 1.5
Thomas with 1
Ernest, Jobe, and Spoon with 0.5

Sacks from literally all three levels of the defense.

— Field Gulls (@FieldGulls) September 26, 2025

Offensive line – Could not run the ball, but that was okay because they couldn’t pass it either. Seattle has a good defense – we get that. But the jailbreak on most passing downs was a sad sight. Murray, to his credit, was flushed quite a bit and was able to gain some good yardage several times. But the pocket just did not hold up for most of the game. In the final nine minutes of the game, the offensive line was like a totally new group of guys and gave Murray the time he needed to go through his progressions, although there were two sacks during both TD drives. The Seahawks ended up with six sacks, and it could just as well have been double-digit if not for Murray’s ability to escape a collapsed pocket. RT Jonah Williams had a false start early in the game, while LT Paris Johnson had two holding calls, one of which brought back a first down conversion.

CB Max Melton – Had some good plays, but also played off Seattle’s best receiver on that final drive that gave WR Jason Smith-Njigba room to secure the pass and get the Seahawks in field goal range. Why? Melton was close enough to Smith-Njigba, but at no time did he ever look back at the quarterback or try to locate the ball. He just ran alongside the receiver until he caught it, then tackled him. Why react to the play instead of defending it? Wasn’t it obvious, with as little time as was left in the game, that Seattle had to throw? It was Melton who hit Charbonnet at the one-yard line with 1:01 left in the first half. However, instead of wrapping up, the runner simply bounced off and twisted into the end zone for the touchdown. That was a third-down play. Had just three tackles for the game.

28 seconds – After the Cardinals tied the game, the clock showed 28 ticks remaining. Seattle does not have Joe Montana or Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback, so overtime appeared to be the next step. K Ryland shanked the ball, which did not cross into the requirement of landing between the 20-yard line and the goal line. Seattle set up shop on the 40-yard line after the infraction. Of course, Seattle has to throw the ball. First down incomplete.

Darnold JSN

The @seahawks looking to win it.

SEAvsAZ on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/mCvcq1TCRc

— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2025

Second down, Darnold hit Smith-Njigba for 22 yards to Arizona’s 40-yard line. In today’s NFL, any kick from 50+ is feasible. This one reception placed the Seahawks in field goal range, but a four-yard run that was completely stopped at the line of scrimmage, then allowed the runner to get four yards ensued. Nobody said the Cardinals were going to win in the overtime period, but they should at least have had the opportunity to find out.

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BIRDSEED – As you get older, three things happen. The first is that your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other two​

RB Trey Benson – Nothing flashy, nothing spectacular, but had a decent game. Could have been used more in the first half, as he had just four carries for 23 yards, but the Seahawks’ defense is one of the league’s best in rushing defense, ranked #7. On the Cardinals’ third possession of the first quarter, Benson ripped off a nice run of 12 yards. He had eight yards early in the second stanza, which was one man from being six points. On the field goal drive towards the end of Quarter 3, on a second-and-six, he busted off into the right flats for 10 yards. Finished with eight carries for 35 yards.

DT Dalvin Tomlinson – After the Baker pass interference call that placed the Seahawks on the one-yard line, it was Tomlinson who stuffed RB Zach Charbonnet on the first down run. All game, Seattle had bad results trying to run up the middle.

The Cardinals kicker needs to be investigated to to see if he had money on Seattle. That was egregious.

— BackontheLinks (@jonfriva) September 26, 2025

K Chad Ryland – Tremendous kick on nailing the 57-yarder late in the third quarter after the drive stalled just across midfield. Had another good field goal of 32 yards. But the landing zone penalty at the conclusion of the game set up the Seahawks with minimal gain needed to get into field goal range to win the game, which is exactly what they did.

WR Marvin Harrison – Was completely invisible for three quarters, then shook the earth in the final stanza. His TD over the shoulder grab was him rising to the catch point over Seattle’s best pass defender. Had the pass been thrown right to him in the second quarter, which he bobbled, then popped up for the “tip drill” and a Seattle interception that stopped a great drive. Each touchdown drive late in the game depended on Harrison, as he looked like the star receiver they drafted. Needed to be more involved for the rest of the contest. Led all Arizona receivers with 66 yards receiving. Had six catches on 10 targets with an 11.0 yards per reception average.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...another-game-as-they-gift-seattle-a-23-20-win

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals-Seahawks second half open thread

I have never seen something like what is happening in Glendale, AZ.

I have seen players play poorly, looks disinterested, and even be bad.

I have never see a player do what we are seeing from Marvin Harrison Jr. and in turn what the head coach is doing.

At the end of the half, we saw Jonathan Gannon not even care to move forward.

So, what is happening? How are you seeing from the top down give a team give up in real time?

We saw MHJ quit on a route, then drop a ball that ended up in the hands of a linebacker instead of giving the Cardinals a first and goal.

We saw their highly paid defensive end stop going on a play at the end of the half and a second effort from the Seattle Seahawks running back get them to a 14-3 lead.

Then we saw a coach decide to squat on the ball with time left on the clock.

There isn’t much left to say. Maybe they play some inspired ball in the second half, but this has been a national embarrassment through the first 30 minutes.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/game-day-threads/83200/cardinals-seahawks-second-half-open-thread

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals Hate Watch: Talk about the division rivals games

Happy Sunday afternoon one and all.

The Arizona Cardinals are off today, they will host the Tennessee Titans next week, but today two of their division rivals are in action.

With the Cardinals sitting at 2-2, both losses in the division, they cannot make much headway today, as they will remain in last place in the division, but it will be interesting to watch these games unfold, especially with Brock Purdy back for the San Francisco 49ers.

Both games are in the afternoon window, with 1:05 p.m. local time kickoffs.

The Niners are hosting the 2-1 Jacksonville Jaguars today.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams take on the Indianapolis Colts in Inglewood. The Cardinals have games against all four teams remaining on their schedule, including two with the Rams, so this will be some good watching today.

The Rams come in as 3.5-point favorites over the Colts, with the over/under at a really surprising 49.5-points. It is surprising because the Rams haven’t allowed many points until last week against the Philadelphia Eagles. And their defense only gave up 288 totals yards of offense in that loss.

Meanwhile, the Niners are also 3.5-point favorites over a Jaguars team who is fifth in scoring defense in the NFL.

Should be two good hate watches today, so sit back, relax and enjoy the games.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/8...-francisco-49ers-los-angleles-rams-nfl-week-4

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals-Seahawks first half open thread

Happy game day one and all.

The Arizona Cardinals host Thursday Night Football against their rivals the Seattle Seahawks and it is the introduction to NFL Rivalries.

It should be a great opportunity for the Arizona Cardinals to show that Sunday was a fluke, but they need to make plays this week.

In case you missed it, here is everything you need to know.

Week 4 Thursday Night Football: Arizona Cardinals (2-1) @ Seattle Seahawks (2-1)​

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 5:15 p.m. AT
Location: State Farm Stadium | Glendale, AZ
National TV: Amazon Prime is the only broadcast unless you are in the Arizona Market (Fox 10 Locally)
National online streaming: NFL+, Amazon Prime
TV announcers: Al Michaels (play-by-play) Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) Kaylee Hartung (sideline reporter)
Radio announcers: Dave Pasch (play-by-play), A.Q. Shipley (analyst) and Paul Calvisi (sideline)
National Radio: Westwood One – Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Ryan Harris (analyst)
Spanish Radio: Fuego Radio 106.7 FM
Spanish Radio announcers: Luis Hernandez (play-by-play) and Irving Villanueva (analyst)
Betting line: Cardinals +1.5 per FanDuel Sportsbook

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/game-day-threads/83186/cardinals-seahawks-first-half-open-thread

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals elevate Michael Carter and Anthony Goodlow to active roster

As we prepare for the Arizona Cardinals to take on the Seattle Seahawks this evening, we have some news on who will be coming in at running back.

From the team:

The Arizona Cardinals Football Club today announced that the team has elevated running back Michael Carter and defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow to the active roster from the practice squad as standard elevations.

Carter will wear jersey #22 and Goodlow will wear #95.

It was always obvious that the Cardinals would add another running back to the game day roster, and with Carter being on the practice squad made it an easy move. He’s a capable player with some big play upside.

Bringing up Goodlow is just an accounting thing. Until they have to make a move, hopefully bringing back Walter Nolen, they don’t want to add another defensive lineman.

Goodlow played eight defensive snaps against the 49ers.

Good luck to both Carter and Goodlow.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...l-carter-and-anthony-goodlow-to-active-roster

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals Reacts Survey Week 5

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cardinals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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The Arizona Cardinals sit at 2-2 on the season, and they face a very bad Tennessee Titans team on Sunday.

So, with that knowledge in place, and with the looming game against the Titans, where is your confidence heading into this game?

It is interesting to see how low the confidence was going into the Thursday Night Football matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, and then they figured out how to play football for about 1.5 quarters, but it was too little too late.

So, now how can the Cardinals rebound? Will they be the team that gets Brian Callahan fired? Will they be the team that buys Callahan another couple of weeks/the rest of the season?

Let us know your thoughts!

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/nfl-reacts-survey/83320/cardinals-reacts-survey-week-5

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals announce plans for new practice facility

It has taken quite a few embarrassing “F’s” from the players, but finally the Arizona Cardinals are getting something done about their practice facilities.

The team announced today they are moving their team facilities to North Phoenix… from the team:

After researching dozens of other sites, one clearly emerged as the optimal location – Paradise Ridge located in North Phoenix, west of Scottsdale Road and north of the Loop 101.

This past summer, the Cardinals – with the assistance of real estate development company Mortenson – purchased the 217-acre property at auction from the Arizona State Land Department for $136 million.

The Cardinals new training facility and business operations will anchor the mixed-use development site, occupying 30 acres and over 250,000 square feet. The footprint of the team’s current facility is 14 acres and 156,000 square feet.

The new training facility and team headquarters are being designed by Rossetti, a leading sports architecture firm that has worked with a number of NFL teams on new facilities.

The targeted opening for the new Cardinals facility and team headquarters is 2028.

It will feature three natural-grass outdoor practice fields and a fieldhouse with a full-size turf field indoors. Additional elements of the new, world-class training facility will include a greatly expanded and modern locker room and state-of-the-art team spaces for athletic training, sports medicine and strength and conditioning in addition to updated dining areas, meeting rooms, a player lounge and more.

As for the remainder of the mixed-use site, an affiliate of the team will work closely with the City of Phoenix and the Arizona Commerce Authority to consider uses that are complementary. Options include potential corporate headquarters as well as restaurant and retail locations, medical facilities and residential development.

This is a massive step for the Arizona Cardinals, as their Tempe facility is generally considered one of the worst football facilities in the league. Now, they will have something that many teams offer their players and prospective free agents, and will be able to compete at least in that area.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...nals-announce-plans-for-new-practice-facility

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals place Trey Benson on injured reserve

The Arizona Cardinals have officially placed Trey Benson on the injured reserve, and brought in a young running back in Jermar Jefferson.

From the team:

The Arizona Cardinals Football Club today announced that the team has placed running back Trey Benson on injured reserve, signed cornerback Jaden Davis and running back Jermar Jefferson to the practice squad and released cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe from the practice squad.

The signings took place today at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, AZ.

Jefferson (5-10, 215) played nine games (one start) with the Lions and had 96 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries to go along with five receptions for 33 yards. He entered the league with Detroit as a seventh-round pick (257th overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Oregon State. Jefferson played two games with the Lions last season and also spent time on Detroit’s practice squad. He was with Tennessee during the preseason.

Davis will wear jersey #35 and Jefferson will wear #43.

We will see who is active on gameday for this running back group, but welcome to the club Jermar and welcome back Jaden.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...e-running-back-trey-benson-on-injured-reserve

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals running backs are dropping like flies. Can Emari Demercado handle the load?

The Arizona Cardinals’ offense has been predicated on a good running game. This is OC Drew Petzing’s entire scheme is to dominate the line of scrimmage, run the ball, and control the clock.

So far this season, none of that has happened.

RELATED: TREY BENSON PLACED ON INJURED RESERVE

To dominate the line, the offense must have a line, an offensive line to be exact. So far, the Cardinals’ front five has not been the force needed to sustain a very good rushing attack. Both tackles are doing fairly well, as is center Hjalte Froholdt. But the guards are having issues. What does this offense do with both LG Evan Brown and RG Isaiah Adams?

To be fair, Adams was thrown into the starting lineup too early, and now he has to learn while he earns. Injured OG Will Hernandez will eventually be back in the lineup, but for now, Arizona’s coaching staff just has to ride with what they have.

TE Trey McBride is a very good blocker and is considered an extension of the offensive line. His backup, Tip Reiman, isn’t as dominant as McBride, but is a good blocker himself. Both players use proper technique with good leverage.

Throughout all four games this season, the rushing attack has been stale. This decline has allowed defenses to play the run less aggressively and focus their scheme around stopping the passing game.

The Cardinals’ offense has been a combination of mostly ineffective runs and short-yardage passing. Petzing has never been an overly aggressive coordinator, but this is something new and is completely stagnant.

Without a good offensive line effort, this means the run game suffers, incompletions go up, so do interceptions and sacks, not to mention pressures.

RB James Conner was the rock at running back. Then, suddenly, he was lost for the season against the San Francisco 49ers in the Week 3 16-15 loss with a horrible ankle injury. Second-year running back Trey Benson took over the starting role this past weekend against the Seattle Seahawks. He suffered a knee injury late in the game.

Cardinals RB Trey Benson is being placed on injured reserve due to his knee injury. pic.twitter.com/MiWZHtfHj6

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2025

While Conner is out for the year, Benson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus and is expected to be out for four to six weeks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Arizona has a Week 8 bye, so it’s still possible that Benson only misses four games.

So, what now? Who is going to handle running the ball for Arizona? According to the Cardinals’ depth chart, that now falls upon Emari Demercado.

Exactly who is he, and what does he offer the Cardinals?

Beginnings​

Demercado grew up in Inglewood, California, just southwest of Los Angeles and a stone’s throw from the Los Angeles International Airport. His heritage is from Jamaica.

He played running back and free safety for the football team at Downey High School. As a senior, he had 128 carries for 976 yards and scored 11 touchdowns with a 7.6 yards per carry average. He added eight receptions for 157 yards with an additional TD.

He was rated a three-star prospect and decided to attend Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California, a community college with just over 25,000 students.

At Saddleback for a single season, he was voted Captain and had 11 starts, 150 carries for 1,026 yards with 15 TDs, a 6.8 yards per carry average, and caught 54 balls for 443 yards and two touchdowns. He also logged zero fumbles. In a game against Grossmont, he tallied 160 yards with five touchdown runs.

At the conclusion of the season, Demercado was named his school’s Offensive MVP, First Team California Community College Football Coaches Association, First Team All-National Division Southern League, and voted the conference Offensive MVP while excelling in studies in engineering.

He took that experience and accepted a scholarship offer from TCU.

After redshirting, in his junior campaign, Demercado had two starts with eight games played, with just 46 carries for 199 yards. He was a pandemic athlete, which granted him a fifth season. In 2021, he started 11 games, gaining 446 yards on 96 carries with four scores, and 12 receptions for 94 yards.

As a super senior, he played the season having already earned his master’s degree in business analytics with a 3.7 GPA. He started all 15 games, ran for 681 yards on 121 carries with six TDs and a 5.6 yards per carry average. Demercado added 13 receptions for 65 yards and a single score. That season, TCU lost to Georgia in the National Championship Game.

For his college career, Demercado’s accolades include:

– 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl invitee
– 2022 First-Team Academic All-Big 12
– 2021 First-Team Academic All-Big 12
– 2019 First-Team Academic All-Big 12

His X handle is @Money_E3 while his Instagram is @money_e2.

The next level​

Leading up to the 2023 NFL draft, Demercado timed out at 4,4 in the 40 with a vertical leap of 32” and 9’-11” in the broad jump. The NFL draft came and went as he wasn’t drafted, but had his choice of a few teams to sign with as an undrafted rookie free agent. He chose the Cardinals.

Demercado had a very good training camp, and at the final cutdown, he had made the final 53-man roster. It didn’t take long for him to get carries because Conner injured his knee in the second quarter in the Week 5 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals played at State Farm Stadium. Demarcado was summoned to fill the void. At the time, Conner was the league’s third leading rusher.

RB Keaontay Ingram was Conner’s backup, but he was listed as inactive with a nagging neck injury. Demercado was next man up and rushed for 45 yards on 10 carries, plus scored his first NFL touchdown off an 11-yard scamper with 7:33 left in the third quarter.

Demercado runnin' it in for six!@Money_E3 x #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/LaHXHTBePL

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 17, 2023

He finished his rookie season with two starts and played in 14 games, 58 attempts for 284 yards, and scored twice. He added 21 receptions for 119 yards. He suffered a toe injury in Week 8 and missed one game. In 2024, he played sparingly with just 24 carries for 223 yards and a single TD.

Demercado hasn’t played much in the four games this season. He did have a nice touchdown catch against the Seahawks that tied the game at 20-20 with 28 seconds remaining in the game after Arizona had been dominated offensively all game and came back from a 20-6 deficit. He looked solid in a change-of-pace role behind Benson.

Going forward​

In 2023, Conner returned to the lineup. Not this year. And Benson is gone for at least a month. It would have been a glorious site to see both Conner and Benson in the same backfield at the same time. But now, this means the rushing attack is solely in the hands of Demercado.

For one, he is a very smart kid. He is also tough as nails and will run right through his defender. He has dependable hands and is a willing blocker. Demercado is a well-built runner who plays with good balance through contact. Excellent football IQ who has only fumbled once in the NFL and zero in college.

EMARI TIES IT UP pic.twitter.com/b6TpThvPj1

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 26, 2025

As far as his acceleration through open gaps, that is just average. He does have some footwork deficiencies as well, and at times will take too much time in reading block development. He does have the ability to rip off chunk runs and does a nice job of getting what is there.

As an NFL player, he is averaging 6.0 yards per carry, which is exceptional. Demercado has, this far, made the most of a tenuous opportunity, and being suddenly the starting RB on an offense that has struggled is not the ideal situation to be in. But here he is.

It isn’t unthinkable that Demarcado could continue to defy expectations. The fact that he went undrafted is now an afterthought. Many good running backs have gone this route, such as Arian Foster, Joe Perry, Priest Holmes, Marion Motley, and Phillip Lindsay.

Will the Cardinals now become interested in bringing in another running back? Maybe. But for now, it is Demarcado’s role as the new starter.

Fans and the media have perceived Demarcado to have slow footwork and a lack of explosiveness. But he teased some untapped potential in those areas. He will fight through heavy traffic, can pick up that blitzing linebacker, is a friend to the checkdown pass, and has a burst once he gets into the open field.

Cardinals’ fans are counting on it.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...ike-flies-can-emari-demercado-handle-the-load

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

3 keys to a Cardinals victory over the Titans

After beginning the season with a lot of promise, winning their first two games, the Arizona Cardinals have evened out their record with a pair of losses. Both shortfalls were contests they had, then gave the game away. What hurts even more is the fact that the final two were division games.

RELATED: CARDINALS OPEN AS BIG FAVORITES AGAINST TITANS

Their next opponent is the winless Tennessee Titans, who are 0-4-0 and have scored the fewest points in the league with 51. Currently, the spread favors an Arizona win by 7.5 points. The Titans are viewed as one of the worst teams in the NFL.

But things happen. In Week 3 this year, the Cleveland Browns went into their game against the Green Bay Packers with a 0-2-0 record. The Packers were ranked as the second-best team in the league and leading 10-0 with nine minutes left, only to lose 13-10.

The Cardinals need this win. What do they need to do to get it?

Consistent pass rush​

One thing Arizona can count on is a decent to good pass rush each game. They are built to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and try to make them pursue decisions early. With defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell, plus EDGE rushers Josh Sweat and Darius Robinson, this group is getting it done each week.

Playing Tennessee will play right into Arizona’s strength. The Titans are horrible in the passing game. They are allowing their opponent’s defense time to get into the backfield with a pressure rate ranked 30th and a QB knockdown rate of dead last in the NFL. Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed the second-most sacks in the league this year (17).

Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed pressure on 50% of dropbacks. They currently have an overall pass-catching grade ranked 26th in the league. They rank second-to-last in passing yards (614).

And what is odd is that the Titans have really invested heavily in their offensive line. They have arguably the game’s best offensive line coach in Bill Callahan, the head coach’s father. They took RT J.C. Latham and LG Peter Skoronski in the first round and inked two key free agents in OT Dan Moore and OG Kevin Zeitler.

It just has not been good with pass protection for Tennessee. The Cardinals need to put pressure on the entire game and send a fifth defender at a rate of two of three downs. Shut down the pass and make Tennessee have to rely on the run game.

Blow up the targets with McBride​

The Titans are one of the worst teams at covering tight ends. If you have Cardinals TE Trey McBride on your fantasy team, start him in this game.

McBride is already a nightmare for defensive backs and linebackers. He is 6’-4” and a beefy 246 pounds. He knows how to use his body size to fend off defensive players on a passing play. He is a former basketball star who can jump and shield his body going up for rebounds. His vertical jump is 33” and he has 4.56 speed.

Against the Seattle Seahawks, McBride had 11 targets with seven receptions. Against the Titans, QB Kyler Murray needs to spot him around 22 balls and watch the fireworks. Titans linebacker Cody Barton is the most likely candidate to cover McBride. He is 6’-2” and weighs 237 pounds. Barton is a good tackler, but his coverage skills are just average. So far this year, he has just one batted ball and zero pressures. His job is to cover the tight end or running back on passing downs and help with run support.

McBride has an easy path to snaps and targets in an offense that sees a ton of two-high looks. Oddly enough, McBride has just one receiving TD this year. That is a crazy stat. He leads the Cardinals in targets (35), receptions (24), yards (234), yards after contact (104), first down conversions (14), and receiving plays of 20+ yards (2).

The only stat he is not leading the franchise in is average yards per reception (9.8), where he ranks third, and TD catches (1). Despite leading in almost every Arizona category, he is not a popular target in the Red Zone. This needs to change this weekend.

Use McBride in the intermediate passing game of five to 10 yards and stretch the defense out a bit more. Currently, Arizona is ranked #31 in pass completions of 5 to 15 yards. The underneath stuff should be there all game long. McBride has a 93.0 receiving grade of catches in the 5–15-yard range, so he knows how to get open and use his girth.

Get inside the 15-yard line and throw McBride the ball to his outside shoulder and a bit high, where he can jump and use his frame to shield off his defender.

Don’t let off the gas​

The Cardinals were leading the New Orleans Saints 20-10 late in the third quarter, then allowed them to get back into the game and have four opportunities at the end to tie the game. Against the Carolina Panthers, Arizona was up 27-3 in the third quarter, then watched the Panthers score three touchdowns before losing 27-22.

The Cardinals had the San Francisco 49ers beat 15-13 and suddenly drop what would have been a first down pass, then watched them drive down the field like the 49ers were playing a high school defensive unit in order to get into makable field goal range. The Seahawks got the ball back with 28 seconds and then kicked the winning field goal.

This defense has to find a way in the fourth quarter to stop its opponent. More importantly, the offense has to keep drives going to milk the clock and allow the defense ample time to rest or just run off what time is left.

There isn’t an in-between with Arizona’s offense. It is usually all or nothing. Discover how to complete drives and accept field goals to build up the scoreboard.

If the Cardinals build a big lead against the Titans, the game plan should be to pile it on and keep scoring points. This team has a bad habit of complacency and being happy they have the lead late in the contest.

Stop that now. In this game.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/arizona-cardinals-news/83391/3-keys-cardinals-victory-over-titans

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Drew Petzing talks offensive struggles and assesses the offense

Happy Thursday one and all.

As a brief aside, I will be out of town this weekend, we should have all the same great game day coverage and post game information, but will be busy if any breaking news comes out that is not during the game or right after.

Yesterday Drew Petzing talked to the media, and it was not exactly what you want to hear at times.

OC Drew Petzing on his assessment of the offense after four games:

"Ultimately, the assessment to me is, did we score more points than the other team? Two times we did, two times we didn't. So, there's always going to be room for improvement."

(@AZCardinals Press Pass)… pic.twitter.com/njPbDECqew

— SleeperCardinals (@SleeperAZCards) October 1, 2025

This is not a positive in the sense that you see a lot of people liking what is said, but we also know that NFL teams are going to keep things positive, especially this early in the season when they are still 2-2 and have a shot to get back to winning games.

As the great Jess Root says:

What do people think Drew Petzing is going to say? To say he is concerned publicly would do nothing good. Why isn't he concerned? It's correctable. If it is correctable, what is the concern? They aren't being this way in meeting rooms. They are coaching.

— Jess Root (@senorjessroot) October 1, 2025

So, when you see what Petzing says, you have to understand they are not going to come out and say player X, Y or Z sucks, they need to improve on this, or this.

However, they also should be willing to acknowledge more than… We scored more some games and didn’t score enough in others.

Petzing is an extension of Jonathan Gannon, who won’t give you anything useful in these coaching pressers, so seeing Petzing come off as aloof isn’t a shock. However, it would be fun if anyone seemed to have some urgency with what is going on.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...-offensive-struggles-and-assesses-the-offense

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Will Hernandez could be in line to play on Sunday

With the way the Arizona Cardinals offensive line has played through four weeks… Middling at best and terrible at times, the time for a change up has been discussed.

Many assumed that it would be second year guard Isaiah Adams, who has struggled mightily this season, especially with the looming return of veteran Will Hernandez.

Well, in a season of surprises, we may have another as Hernandez return may coincide with his return to the starting lineup for… Evan Brown.

Jonathan Gannon watching his guys work through drills at Friday practice.

Did not see Evan Brown or Calais Campbell.

Campbell likely on his typical Friday rest day while Brown has been limited with a hamstring injury all week. pic.twitter.com/NBnsQax5PE

— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) October 3, 2025

Brown has had some struggles this year too, after a very solid 2024, and a lingering hamstring issue could be clarity on why he has struggled.

That would mean that Hernandez and Adams would be the starting guards if Will is back and Evan cannot go, but that begs the question, who plays left guard?

Hernandez was at left guard while with the New York Giants, but that has been a while since he played there.

Meanwhile, Adams has played left guard at Illinois, and 18 snaps last year at the position.

We will see how this all plays out this weekend.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...s-evan-brown-isaiah-adams-2025-rushing-attack

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Darius Robinson out against Tennessee Titans

The hits keep on coming on Friday before a big chance to get right for the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Head Coach Jonathan Gannon announced that defensive lineman Darius Robinson is out this week with a pectoral injury.

Now the question is, how long will Robinson be out for?

Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon rules Darius Robinson (pec) OUT against the Titans @PHNX_Cardinals pic.twitter.com/TY8c9MisYK

— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) October 3, 2025

My good buddy Jess Root thinks there could be an injured reserve designation coming on:

What do you wanna bet they’re gonna put him on IR tomorrow? https://t.co/0CsBjp7WyI

— Jess Root (@senorjessroot) October 3, 2025

However, John Gambadoro is thinking it won’t be that bad:

He will miss a little time but they expect to get him back. They are not putting him on IR. Not as bad as feared. https://t.co/tSNF0GQzF6

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) October 3, 2025

Here is the reality. Robinson is out this week for certain, and if you subscribe to the PFF grading model, he has been one of the worst defensive linemen in the NFL this year.

However, he has played effective snaps for an improving defense, and the Cardinals are already running low on defensive linemen, despite the continued investment in the position.

Missing Robinson for any amount of time will hurt. Maybe it will not show this week, but the Cardinals need their talented depth along the line for the season.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...3444/darius-robinson-injured-tennessee-titans

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals opponent: Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward, “Our offense is playing like ass”

The Arizona Cardinals are in a situation right now where they can right this ship and stop a two-game losing skid, or fall further down the standings in the NFC West Division with another loss.

The good news is that they play arguably the worst team in the NFL in the Tennessee Titans, this weekend at home in the Sunday afternoon game. The bad news? This is the NFL, and every team can take an easy victory away from any club any week, regardless of record.

RELATED: CARDINALS OPEN AS BIG FAVORITES AGAINST TITANS

The Titans are 0-4-0 and have scored the least amount of points in the league with 51. At 12.75 points a game average, any ballclub that can’t put up points isn’t going to be on the “W” side for many contests.

And it gets worse for the Cardinals next opponent.

Tennessee has the second-worst passing yards gained (614) and ranked #31 in passing plays that convert into a first down (29). Plus, their offense is ranked dead last in four categories: completion percentage (51.2%), completions (64), touchdown passes (2), and average yards passing per attempt (4.9). They have allowed the second most sacks with 17.

Nobody knows just how bad this Titans offense is more so than their own field general: Cam Ward. Well, maybe he is just a first lieutenant at this stage of the rookie’s NFL life.

Ward recently interviewed with the Tennessee media and had quite a few things to air out. He was candid and did not hold back answering questions.

When asked about his offensive unit, he stated, “We ass.”

---

Q: This past weekend, how do you think you played personally?

Ward: Ass.

Q: Anything that went particularly wrong for you?

Ward: Getting stuck past the 50, interception, incompletions, penalties, not helping the defense out, just not good enough to win.

---

In the last game, Ward’s entire family was in attendance. The Titans were blasted on the road 26-0 by the 0-3-0 Houston Texans. Ward grew up in West Columbia, Texas, just a short drive southwest of Houston. Ward had 108 passing yards while the Titans had just 82 rushing yards.

Tennessee’s offensive line is average at best in run blocking, but is putrid in pass protection. Ward will run when pressed, but so far has just nine rushes for 42 yards and no scores. What the Titans want to do is become a passing team, but Ward is not able to get past his second progression before he is either flushed or has to decide to throw the ball into a tight window, or toss it out of bounds and live another play.

---

Q: What’s not going right for this offense?

Ward: Everything. From an interception that I shouldn’t have thrown, to a penalty, to a bad ball incompletion. And once we get past the 50, we are just not continuing the drive. We keeping a buck right now – we ass. We “0” and four. We have played a quarter of our f-ing games and we’ve yet to do anything. We have to lock in – especially myself. We have not played together this year yet.

Q: Have you challenged your teammates?

Ward: Yeah, we all challenge each other. They challenge me every day. We gotta make it look good in practice and on game days. At some point, we have to help the defense out.

Q: Is this the most frustrating period you can recall going through football-wise?

Ward: I had a lot of frustrations in my past. I just want to win. When was the last time Tennessee won? I don’t know. I’m trying to win. At some point, we have to turn the tide. And it has to start with the games.

---

On the ESPN show “Get Up” on Tuesday, they indicated Ward might be the worst rookie player in the league.

The Titans coverage begins at the 1:37 mark. Ward’s comment about his offense being ass will follow him throughout his career. He will become known more for being a meme or a conversation “gif” than anything else he will ever accomplish on the field. Whether the statement is true or not, he put it out there, and now any team that sucks, his meme will become the poster child, just like former Indianapolis head coach Jim Mora’s “Playoffs? Playoffs?” rendition.

Ward hasn’t even finished a full season yet. This is just four games. The schedule is long, and a lot of things happen in that time span. He is a very talented quarterback, but we all know that it isn’t just one guy who makes an offense or a defense click. You can’t have one Lawrence Taylor and 10 nobodies.

That may work for basketball with a superstar like Michael Jordan in the lineup, but not in football, where there are 11 guys on the field.

The “Get Up” crew made a good point when they stated that there are more young quarterbacks ruined than developed.

Ward took accountability for his own play and was obviously disappointed at how his team was playing on both sides of the ball. On the podcast “Nightcap,” host Shannon Sharpe stated that Ward was out of line with his “ass” comments, and stated further that as a player, they should not say these things publicly but should be reserved for the locker room.

Add the fact that Ward now must face this Arizona defense, and their pass rush is not going to be a fun day for him. Wait until he meets DT Calais Campbell up close or feels the heat from DE Josh Sweat and LB Akeem Davis-Gaither. Already, the Titans are under pressure on 45% of passing downs. It should become another long day for the rookie.

Hopefully, in Ward’s presser after the Cardinals game, he will be even more disheartened.

Texas Tech grad and Cardinals’ safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson could meet Ward in the offensive backfield, and as he is helping him up, should invite the fellow Texan over for some Texas dry rub ribs and mesquite wood slow-smoked brisket.

Let the rookie get to know some of the fellas up close and personal.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...s-qb-cam-ward-our-offense-is-playing-like-ass

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals vs. Seahawks reactions: What needs to change in Arizona?

Happy Saturday one and all.

The Arizona Cardinals are sitting at 2-2 and have a great opportunity to turn things around this weekend with a game against the Tennessee Titans.

However, first Jess and I need to close out the game against the Seattle Seahawks that resulted in one of the most frustrating losses in recent Cardinals memory.

Let’s take a look at the good and the bad, and then more injuries that happened.

Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!

We revisit the loss and discuss the following:

• (1:00) The good and bad from the offense against the Seahawks
• (27:40) The good and bad from the defense against the Seahawks
• (42:57) Injuries and what needs to change for the Cardinals moving forward

Enjoy the show!

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Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...wks-reactions-what-needs-to-change-in-arizona