PFF believes Cardinals will surpass win total set for 2025

Cameron on the outlook for Cardinals next season:

“What needs to go right: After finishing 27th in EPA allowed per dropback last season, Arizona’s brass went to work overhauling Jonathan Gannon’s defense this offseason. First-round-caliber players Walter Nolen and Will Johnson were huge additions, and the signings of Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell to boost the Cardinals 31st 31st-ranked PFF pass-rushing grade will be a difference-maker in 2025.

“What could go wrong: For the defense to reach its full potential, the Cardinals will need to see contributions from many first-year players. Along with Nolen and Johnson, Jordan Burch, Cody Simon and Denzel Burke may need to play meaningful roles right out of the gate. While each is a decorated player who featured in the College Football Playoff, the NFL is another beast.”

The addition on the defensive side of the ball by general manager Monti Ossenfort has risen the potential of the defense to elite level. The D-line has new additions of Calais Campbell, Walter Nolen, Josh Sweat, Jordan Burch, Dalvin Tomlinson, and more. The roster went from a dire need for pass rush to a surplus in that department.

Ossenfort spent over $100 million on the defensive line this offseason and six of the team’s seven draft picks on the defensive side of the ball. Barring anymore injuries, the Cardinals defense should be in contention to being one of the elite pass rushes in the NFC West and the NFC in general.

The offense didn’t have any major additions in free agency or the draft. Quarterback Kyler Murray will once again be trusted to carry the bulk of the offense in the air and on the ground. Murry and running back James Conner led Arizona to one of the best running attacks in the NFL, and nearly top 10 in scoring last year.

The concern next year will be if there is enough weapons in the passing game. Tight end Trey McBride rose to a Pro-Bowl level player and led the team in receiving yards with 1,146. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had a lackluster rookie season, but reports have indicated that the former fourth overall pick has gained a lot of muscles this offseason and is in the best shape of his life.

Outside of those two, the Cardinals are limited in the passing game. Eyes will be glued onto third-year wide receiver Michael Wilson to see if he can make the jump to a dominant WR2. In the past two seasons, Wilson has surpassed just over 500+ receiving yards. If Arizona’s offense wants to make the jump to elite status, Wilson will need to elevate his game.