The Arizona Cardinals, like many NFL teams, understand that the foundation of a successful franchise begins in the trenches. The importance of both the offensive and defensive lines cannot be overstated, as these units form the backbone of any team that aspires to be competitive in the modern NFL. For the Arizona Cardinals, a franchise that has undergone significant changes in recent years, the task of continuing to build and strengthen the trenches has become a top priority.
Understanding the Importance of the Trench Play
Before diving into how the Arizona Cardinals are approaching the task of building their trenches, it’s important to understand why this area of the game is so crucial. The offensive and defensive lines are where the battle begins and ends. The offensive line is responsible for protecting the quarterback, creating running lanes for the running backs, and providing the stability necessary for an offense to function smoothly. A strong offensive line allows the skill players—quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers—to do their jobs more effectively. Without solid protection, even the most talented players will struggle to make an impact.
On the defensive side, the trench play is just as important. The defensive line is tasked with pressuring the quarterback, stopping the run, and generally disrupting the opponent’s offensive rhythm. A strong defensive line can dictate the pace of the game, forcing opposing quarterbacks to make hurried throws or running backs to adjust their paths before they reach the line of scrimmage. Essentially, a team with a dominant defensive line can control the flow of a game, limiting the effectiveness of the opposing offense.
The Arizona Cardinals’ Need for Improvement in the Trenches
In recent seasons, the Arizona Cardinals have experienced a variety of challenges. While there have been flashes of brilliance from individual players, both the offensive and defensive lines have been areas of concern. On offense, inconsistent play from the line has often left quarterback Kyler Murray vulnerable to pressure, making it difficult for him to stay in rhythm. On defense, the lack of a consistent pass rush has hindered the team’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and stifle the run game.
The Cardinals have recognized these issues and have made it clear that addressing the trenches will be a top priority moving forward. The team’s general manager, head coach, and scouting department all seem to be in agreement that improving the lines will be essential for building a team capable of competing in the NFC West and, ultimately, the NFC.
The Offensive Line: Protecting Kyler Murray and Establishing the Run Game
At the heart of the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line situation is quarterback Kyler Murray. As a mobile quarterback with the ability to extend plays outside of the pocket, Murray’s style of play demands a specific kind of protection. While his athleticism can help him escape pressure at times, there’s no substitute for solid protection up front.
In 2024, the Cardinals’ offensive line was hit or miss in terms of performance. They had moments where they created solid running lanes, allowing the team’s running backs to gain yards on the ground. However, when it came to pass protection, there were frequent breakdowns that led to sacks, quarterback hits, and hurried throws. For Murray, this has often meant that he has been forced to scramble before he’s ready, or even worse, take unnecessary hits that could lead to injury.
The Cardinals have made a concerted effort to address these issues in recent drafts and free agency. In 2023, the team selected offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr., a promising talent who has the potential to become a cornerstone of their line. Johnson is expected to step in as a starter at tackle, providing immediate help to the offensive line’s pass protection. The Cardinals also signed veteran free agents to add depth and experience to the line, ensuring that there is a mix of youth and veteran leadership.
One of the key areas the Cardinals will need to address is the interior of the line. The guard and center positions have been inconsistent in recent years, with poor pass protection often leading to interior pressure that forces Murray to leave the pocket early. If the team can solidify these spots, it would go a long way in making the entire line more effective, allowing Murray more time to make decisions and utilize his playmaking ability.
In addition to pass protection, the Cardinals also need to improve their ability to establish a more consistent running game. Although they have talented backs, such as James Conner, the offensive line has struggled to open up holes consistently. In a division like the NFC West, where teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks have strong defensive fronts, being able to run the football effectively will be essential for the Cardinals to keep opposing defenses honest and maintain offensive balance.
The Defensive Line: A Need for Pass Rush and Run Stopping
On the defensive side of the ball, the Arizona Cardinals have been similarly frustrated by their lack of consistency along the defensive line. While they have had individual standouts, such as defensive lineman J.J. Watt, who retired after the 2022 season, the team has lacked a consistent, dominant force on the defensive front. This has impacted their ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run.
Pass rushing has been an area of significant concern for the Cardinals. The lack of a consistent edge rusher has meant that opposing quarterbacks have been able to settle into the pocket and find open receivers. In an increasingly pass-heavy league, where quarterbacks are looking to exploit mismatches in the secondary, getting to the quarterback is a must. The Cardinals have tried to address this issue by investing in players like Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons, though neither has fully developed into the dynamic pass rusher the team needs.
Additionally, the run defense has been porous at times. With teams like the 49ers and Rams emphasizing the run game, being able to stop the ground attack is just as important as rushing the passer. The Cardinals have invested in players who can disrupt running backs in the backfield, but injuries and inconsistencies have prevented the team from fielding a dominant defensive front.
Looking to the future, the team has already begun taking steps to improve the defensive line. They have drafted players with the potential to become key contributors and have signed free agents to bolster their pass rush and run defense. The key will be finding a way to get consistent pressure on the quarterback without needing to blitz constantly. A strong, deep defensive line can make a huge difference in limiting the effectiveness of opposing offenses and forcing them into uncomfortable situations.
The Future of the Trenches for the Arizona Cardinals
Looking ahead, the Arizona Cardinals will likely continue to prioritize improving their trenches through both the draft and free agency. The team’s front office recognizes that building from the inside out is the key to long-term success in the NFL. While skill positions like quarterback and wide receiver tend to dominate headlines, it is often the teams that win in the trenches that end up competing for championships.
In the draft, the Cardinals will continue to target both offensive and defensive line talent, focusing on finding players who can contribute early while also developing into long-term staples of the team’s core. The team’s recent selections, like Paris Johnson Jr., demonstrate their commitment to this philosophy, as they have been aggressive in adding young talent to the offensive line. On the defensive side, players who can rush the passer effectively or clog up running lanes will continue to be high on the team’s wish list.
In free agency, the Cardinals will likely continue to target experienced veterans who can provide leadership and stability to the line while also offering immediate upgrades. Whether it’s adding a pass rusher or bringing in a veteran offensive lineman to help protect Kyler Murray, the team will not hesitate to spend resources in these areas.
Finally, the coaching staff will play a pivotal role in the development of the trenches. The ability of head coach Jonathan Gannon and his staff to properly develop the talent on both the offensive and defensive lines will be critical to the success of the team. As the NFL continues to evolve, coaching and player development will become just as important as talent acquisition.
