Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

The reason for Cardinals offensive success in Week 6 vs. Colts

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 6:56 PM ET

GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals had its most efficient offensive game of the 2025 season, scoring 27 points and having 400 total yards of scrimmage. Sunday’s offensive success was surprising because of backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett being under center leading to this type of production.

While Brissett played well, the play calling seemed to be much different compared to previous weeks. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who usually relies on the ground game to get the offense going, called plenty of play action vs. the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6.

Brissett threw the ball 44 times, the most by a Cardinals quarterback all season. The increase play action and pass plays was viewed as just taking advantage of what the defense was showing Arizona, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Gannon on the usage of play action:

“Its depending on what calls [Colts] are in. Sometimes there’s guys open on the second or third level, and sometimes they take it away and you can check the ball down and get some positive yardage. It marries up with the run game.”

The injuries to running back James Conner and Trey Benson has started to change Petzing’s scheme. Through six weeks, the Cardinals are 8th in pass plays frequency at 60.4%, over a 5% increase from last season. On Sunday, it was nearly 65% pass plays for the Cardinals.

Petzing using play action more could be because of opposing team’s knowing his run-heavy approach to his play calling and using that against defense. When the team is in 13 personnel, it forces the defense to load the box, which can open up one-on-one opportunities for Arizona wide receivers. Zay Jones benefited greatly from this, recording the most receiving yards in over three years in Week 6.

To continue this momentum offensively when starter Kyler Murray returns under center, the Cardinals will need to keep the pressure on difference by forcing one-on-one matchups in play action.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: