Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons (9) against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
After a transformative offseason, the Arizona Cardinals have surged into the top 20 in the league’s power rankings, signaling a renewed sense of confidence and potential. Much of this newfound optimism stems from the Cardinals’ decisive action in addressing one of their most glaring weaknesses: the defensive line. Through a series of strategic moves, the Cardinals have strengthened their front seven, a move that has not only bolstered their defense but has also provided a solid foundation for their aspirations in the upcoming season.
For years, the Arizona Cardinals had struggled to make their defensive line a focal point. While the team had flashes of defensive brilliance, their inability to consistently generate pressure on the quarterback and stifle the opposing running game was a consistent Achilles’ heel. In a league where a dominant defensive line can make all the difference, the Cardinals found themselves at a disadvantage as other teams in their division and conference made strides in improving their defensive fronts. With such glaring needs, it became clear that the 2025 offseason would be pivotal in determining the team’s trajectory moving forward.
Enter head coach Jonathan Gannon and the front office, who understood that strengthening the defensive line was a critical first step toward creating a more competitive and balanced team. The decision to invest heavily in this area was not just a response to past shortcomings, but a proactive attempt to elevate the entire defensive unit. The Cardinals were determined not to let their defensive line continue to be a liability, especially as they looked to make a leap in a competitive NFC West division.
The offseason was marked by a series of bold moves designed to enhance the pass rush and improve run defense. The Cardinals began by securing key free-agent signings and targeting high-impact draft picks who could step in and contribute immediately. Through a combination of veteran presence and youthful energy, the defensive line underwent a transformation that caught the attention of analysts and fans alike.
One of the most notable moves was the signing of a disruptive veteran pass rusher who immediately brought a new level of experience and leadership to the unit. Known for his relentless pursuit of the quarterback, the veteran defensive lineman was seen as the missing piece the Cardinals needed to complement their existing roster. His ability to apply pressure from the edge and create havoc in the backfield made him a priority for the front office. In addition to his pass-rushing prowess, he also brought a veteran presence that helped elevate the mentality and work ethic of the entire defensive line room. His leadership was immediately evident during offseason workouts and training camp, as younger players sought to learn from his technique and approach to the game.
While the veteran addition provided an immediate upgrade, the Cardinals were also committed to adding youthful energy to their defensive line. Through the draft, the team secured a pair of highly touted defensive linemen who quickly impressed coaches and teammates alike with their raw talent and determination. These rookies, both highly regarded for their college performances, brought explosiveness and athleticism that was previously missing from the Cardinals’ front. The front office and coaching staff were confident that these young players would not only help provide depth but would also push the veteran players to improve, creating a healthy competition that would elevate the entire unit.
What was perhaps most impressive about the Cardinals’ defensive line makeover was the team’s ability to blend experience and youth seamlessly. In the past, Arizona’s defensive line had often been a one-dimensional unit, with either veterans who lacked explosiveness or young players who were still learning the ropes. Now, with a mixture of seasoned pros and hungry rookies, the defensive line appeared poised to take on all challenges. Their combined efforts in training camp demonstrated their ability to work together and adapt to a variety of defensive schemes. Whether it was stopping the run or getting after the quarterback, the defensive line now had the depth and versatility to be effective in multiple situations.
This upgrade to the defensive line had an immediate ripple effect on the rest of the team. A dominant defensive front not only disrupts the opposing offense but also makes life easier for the secondary and linebackers. With more pressure on the quarterback, the defensive backs had more time to cover receivers, leading to increased opportunities for turnovers and pass breakups. Additionally, a stronger defensive line meant fewer gaps in the running game, providing the linebackers with more opportunities to make plays. For Gannon, this was a huge boon to his defensive scheme, as he was able to implement more aggressive tactics, knowing that the defensive line would be able to hold its own.
The improved defensive line also addressed one of the most critical areas for the Cardinals heading into the new season: consistency. In previous years, the Cardinals had been plagued by inconsistent play up front. One week, the defensive line would stifle an offense, and the next, it would struggle to generate any pressure. That inconsistency led to some frustrating losses and kept the Cardinals from reaching their full potential. By addressing this issue head-on during the offseason, the team was signaling to the rest of the league that they were ready to compete at a higher level.
Now, with a revamped defensive line, the Cardinals have moved into the top 20 of the NFL power rankings, a testament to the significant strides they’ve made in improving their roster. The team’s overall ranking is a reflection of not just the defensive line upgrades but the overall progress they’ve made across all phases of the game. While it’s clear that the Cardinals still have work to do to become true contenders, the boost from their defensive line improvements has been enough to position them as a team on the rise.
Of course, the ultimate goal for the Cardinals is to return to the playoffs and make a deep postseason run. To achieve that, the defensive line will need to live up to the expectations set by the offseason moves. There will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, as the Cardinals play in one of the most competitive divisions in football. The NFC West is home to some of the league’s top offenses, and the defensive line will be tested week in and week out. But with the improvements made during the offseason, the Cardinals have positioned themselves to be a much tougher opponent.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Cardinals’ offseason makeover is the potential for further growth. The defensive line, while greatly improved, still has room to evolve. With more experience, chemistry, and a full season of working together, the unit could become even more dominant as the season progresses. The coaching staff has expressed confidence that this group has the ability to gel and become one of the league’s most formidable fronts.
In addition to the defensive line, the rest of the roster has made significant improvements, particularly on offense and special teams. The team’s overall development, led by Gannon’s vision and leadership, has set the stage for a competitive season. As the Cardinals enter the 2025 campaign with renewed energy and focus, they have one goal in mind: to prove that they are no longer a team stuck in the middle of the pack. With a bolstered defensive line and an improved roster across the board, the Cardinals are poised to be a contender.
For the first time in a long time, the Arizona Cardinals have a defense that can compete with the best in the league. The moves made in the offseason, particularly on the defensive line, have given the team a fresh sense of confidence. As the season unfolds, the Cardinals will look to continue their upward trajectory, with a focus on maintaining the momentum they’ve gained. The NFL landscape has changed, and the Arizona Cardinals are positioning themselves to make a real impact in 2025.
