The Arizona Cardinals entered Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2025 with a rare commodity in today’s NFL: continuity. In a league where turnover is expected, particularly among coaching staffs and skill players, the Cardinals offense has maintained a consistent core — and it’s beginning to show on the practice field.
With quarterback Kyler Murray entering his seventh season and second full offseason under head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, the Cardinals are starting to find rhythm and efficiency in their offensive identity. This year’s OTAs have featured a calm sense of familiarity, a noticeable upgrade from the transitional chaos that plagued previous offseasons.
A Quarterback in Command
Kyler Murray’s presence is, without question, the biggest factor in the Cardinals’ offensive stability. After returning from an ACL injury midway through the 2023 season and playing the full 2024 campaign, Murray is now fully entrenched as the leader of the offense, both physically and mentally.
OTAs this year have offered a clearer picture of Murray’s progression. His timing with receivers is sharp, his command of the huddle is unquestioned, and perhaps most importantly, his understanding of Petzing’s system is now second nature.
“It’s night and day,” said Petzing after the team’s third OTA session. “Last year, we were installing from scratch. This year, we’re refining. That’s a massive difference.”
That refinement has shown in Murray’s ability to make pre-snap reads, adjust protections, and push the ball downfield with confidence. His chemistry with top targets like tight end Trey McBride and wideout Michael Wilson is evident, and the addition of rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. only adds firepower to a system now being operated with precision.
Stability on the Sideline
While the Cardinals finished 5–12 in 2024, the second half of the season showed signs of offensive momentum. Gannon’s defense-first philosophy complemented Petzing’s methodical offensive schemes, which emphasize balance, play-action, and quick decision-making from the quarterback.
This offseason, Gannon emphasized keeping his staff intact, a move designed to build trust and foster development. It’s paying off.
“You can’t underestimate the importance of keeping guys together,” said Gannon. “Every rep we take this spring builds on what we installed last year. We’re not teaching terminology — we’re building on it.”
That trust has extended into the locker room. Veteran offensive linemen like D.J. Humphries and Will Hernandez have noted how much easier OTAs have felt this year, with less time spent on learning and more time on competing.
A Rebuilt Offensive Line With Familiar Pieces
Although the Cardinals made tweaks to the offensive line, including bringing in a couple of rookies and testing different alignments, the core remains familiar. Center Hjalte Froholdt continues to anchor the middle, while the return of Paris Johnson Jr. at tackle provides consistency on the edge.
The unit’s cohesion is a critical factor in Murray’s success, and their communication has visibly improved throughout OTAs.
“We’re calling out blitzes before the defense even disguises them,” said Froholdt. “That only happens when you’ve got reps with the same group, week in and week out.”
That improved communication has allowed the Cardinals to experiment more with motion and protection shifts. Petzing’s playbook is finally expanding rather than just being implemented.
McBride Becoming a Star
Tight end Trey McBride took a leap forward in 2024, establishing himself as a top-10 option at the position. During OTAs, he’s building on that momentum. His chemistry with Murray is seamless, and his route-running and blocking have both taken steps forward.
“Every time I step on the field, I want to show Kyler he can count on me,” McBride said. “That comes with reps — and we’ve got plenty now.”
Petzing has taken notice and plans to feature McBride more heavily in the passing game, especially in red zone packages.
“He’s a mismatch,” said Petzing. “He’s too fast for linebackers and too strong for safeties. That’s a fun weapon to have.”
The Harrison Factor
While continuity is key, it doesn’t mean the Cardinals didn’t make bold additions. Drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 overall pick in April instantly gave Murray a true WR1, and early OTA sessions have shown why scouts called Harrison one of the best receiver prospects in years.
Harrison has fit in smoothly, thanks to the stability around him. Unlike most rookies who must adapt to chaos, Harrison is stepping into an offense with an established system, a veteran quarterback, and a defined role.
“He’s smart,” said McBride. “He’s picking up everything fast, and Kyler already trusts him.”
Harrison’s presence should help open up space for McBride, Wilson, and veteran wide receiver Greg Dortch, giving Murray more options than he’s had in years.
The Running Game: Quiet Strength
James Conner returns as the lead back, bringing physicality and leadership to the offense. While not flashy during OTAs, his role remains critical. The Cardinals will likely lean on the run to control tempo and protect Murray, especially in early downs.
Keaontay Ingram and rookie back Trey Benson are also getting OTA reps, and their speed adds a new dimension. But the overarching theme remains the same — the offensive staff knows the personnel, and the personnel knows the scheme.
Running backs coach Autry Denson noted the benefit of repetition.
“These guys aren’t asking where to go — they’re hitting the hole and reading the defense. That’s what continuity allows.”
More Pre-Snap Movement, More Control
One area of growth the Cardinals are exploring is increased pre-snap motion. With a better understanding of Petzing’s playbook, the offense is using more motion to create mismatches and diagnose coverage.
During OTAs, Murray has often sent McBride or Wilson in motion to help read zone vs. man coverages, something that took time to develop last season.
“That’s what happens when you’ve got guys who aren’t learning on the fly,” Petzing explained. “Now we’re into the fun stuff — disguise, movement, formation shifts. You can only do that with continuity.”
Defensive Praise: A Sign of Progress
Even members of the Cardinals’ defense are noticing the offensive rhythm.
“Our offense is sharp right now,” said linebacker Kyzir White. “We’re having to adjust on the fly more. Kyler is making quick reads. That’s good for us — it forces us to elevate.”
This internal competition has improved the quality of OTA reps, sharpening both sides of the ball and giving coaches more film to evaluate.
“You can’t simulate this kind of growth unless you’ve got experience in the system,” said Gannon. “It’s why we’re excited.”
Less Install, More Execution
The word most frequently used during this year’s OTAs is execution. With most players familiar with the playbook and expectations, the focus has shifted from learning to perfecting.
That includes situational drills — two-minute offense, red zone execution, and third-down conversions. Last season, Arizona ranked near the bottom of the league in third-down percentage and red zone efficiency. This year, they’re putting those issues front and center in practice.
“We’re not installing new plays every week,” said Petzing. “We’re installing ways to execute them better.”
This shift has allowed for more competitive periods and faster-paced sessions, giving players a better sense of what to expect come September.
A New Culture Rooted in Consistency
Perhaps the most important development during OTAs isn’t a singular player or moment — it’s the culture. For the first time in several seasons, the Cardinals have a clear identity on offense, a coaching staff that’s consistent, and a quarterback who’s fully in command.
“It feels different,” said Murray. “We’re building something. And it doesn’t feel like we’re starting over.”
For a franchise that has seen its share of turnover and instability, that feeling is priceless. And it’s showing up every day during OTAs.
Looking Ahead: Turning Continuity Into Wins
The Cardinals have laid the groundwork. Continuity during OTAs is just the beginning — it must translate into preseason dominance and, ultimately, wins in the regular season. The NFC West remains competitive, with the 49ers and Rams still formidable, but Arizona’s focus is inward.
“We’re not where we want to be yet,” said Gannon. “But we’re ahead of where we were. That’s the goal.”
With a franchise quarterback finally surrounded by stability, a top-tier rookie receiver in the fold, and a coaching staff entering its second year intact, the Arizona Cardinals are well-positioned to take a leap.
