Arizona Cardinals disrespected in PFF’s roster rankings

PFF on Cardinals biggest weakness heading into 2025:

“While Arizona’s coverage unit improved from a putrid 2023, the team’s pass rush couldn’t do the same. The Cardinals tied for the second-worst PFF pass-rush grade in the NFL last season. They also ranked among the bottom eight teams in pressure rate and pass-rush win rate. That showing at least partially motivated the team to acquire a slew of defensive linemen this offseason, including former Eagle Josh Sweat.”

Arizona ranked behind inferior teams from last season like the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals. Chadwick and Wasserman praised the team’s rushing attack with the downhill running of RB James Conner and the versality with Kyler Murray in the pocket to escape pressure. However, they couldn’t get past the team’s pass rush, which was graded 31st in the NFL.

Ossenfort signed Edge Josh Sweat and DT Calais Campbell, who combined for 13.0 sacks in 2024. The duo will immensely improve the pass rush, while rookie additions like DT Walter Nolen and Jordan Burch will fit in defensive coordinator Nick Rallis’ scheme.

The Cardinals still have a chip on their shoulder entering the new league year. Whether the criticism is warranted or not, Arizona hasn’t had a winning season since 2021 and have to figure out how the new pieces fit together. It’s time for third-year head coach Jonathan Gannon live up to his mantra for when he first arrived, and that is being adapt, smart, explosive, and violent in 2025.