What’s more likely for the Cardinals: a top 10 offense or defense?

More trust in the Cardinals’ offense or defense?

The offense has all the usual suspects. Quarterback Kyler Murray and running back James Conner behind a stellar offensive line have been one of the best running offenses in the league. Back-to-back near the top five in rushing attacks, while the air attack has improved since Murray’s return from injury.

Since his return in 2023, Murray has started to play more freely in the pocket and has illustrated similar movements to his first two seasons in the NFL. The Cardinals organization has rewarded his strides with weapons like wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey Mcbride. The duo caught over 50% of Murray’s passing yards in 2024.

Harrison went through a massive body transformation to help with the contract from cornerbacks, while McBride has illustrated through training camp that he is arguably the best tight end in the game.

The offense isn’t far away from being a top 10, but the defense won’t go without a fight. General manager Monti Ossenfort knew the defense needed work and spent six of the team’s seven draft picks on the roster, with all six making the 53-man roster.

Rookie cornerback Will Johnson and defensive lineman Jordan Burch were sensational in preseason and illustrate the team’s strength. The depth in the defensive line is stacked. Sweat, Campbell, Burch, former first-round pick Darius Robinson, Dalvin Tomlinson and this year’s first-round pick Walter Nolen when he returns from the PUP list.

Arizona had one of the worst pass rushes last year, and it wouldn’t be a surprised if it soared into the top 10 in sacks and QB hurries with the talent in the position group.

The front seven for the Cardinals is set, but the secondary is a tough final hurdle for the team to truly be a top 10 defense. While Johnson’s showing in training camp and preseason has been sensational, having a rookie being one of your top defensive backs shows the lack of experience in the cornerback room.

The trio of Johnson, Max Melton and Garrett Williams have a combined age of 23 years old. All-Pro safety Budda Baker will carry much of the weight for the secondary, but the inexperienced might hold the team back early on in the season. The young DBs are uber talented but the lack of reps and connectivity between the unit will be a challenge to over come for them.

Despite the defense’s upgrade, the offense should and are expected to make the leap to being a top 10 offense. Murray will have to live up to his massive salary and lead the offense into being one of the league’s best.