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Trey McBride gives Jacoby Brissett a target in the middle, and the young skill group gives the offense room to grow. Budda Baker can clean up mistakes on the back end and disguise coverage before the snap. Arizona stays low because the line is still being rebuilt and the quarterback plan is not settled beyond the short term.
See how the PFM category ratings shape Arizona.
The Cardinals want to play through a wide-zone and play-action offense built to feature Jeremiyah Love, Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr, but the offense has not earned trust yet. Jacoby Brissett is the expected starter.
Mike LaFleur is the swing factor. The staff has to solve quarterback stability and an offensive line still being rebuilt. Mike LaFleur took over and Arizona added first-round running back Jeremiyah Love plus veteran offensive-line help.
A 3.5-point edge over the defense makes the offense Arizona's lead unit. Arizona uses wide-zone and play-action offense built to feature Jeremiyah Love, Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. The defense is not giving that attack much room for an off day. Arizona uses a multiple-front defense that needs stronger early-down control before it can use its pressure packages.
Jacoby Brissett gives Arizona a steadier answer than the supporting cast around him. The stress point is games that force Brissett to chase points behind an unsettled offensive line. The roster question is quarterback stability and an offensive line still being rebuilt.
The Cardinals win by running efficiently, creating play-action throws for McBride and the supporting cast and keeping the game out of obvious passing situations.
The Cardinals are most exposed in games that force Brissett to chase points behind an unsettled offensive line. Those games put a spotlight on quarterback stability and an offensive line still being rebuilt.
Arizona's road sits No. 1 in difficulty; opponents average 83.2 in PFM Score, with 10 games against current top-10 teams. Four of those top-10 matchups are away, while the next 5 opponents average 84.5.
Toughest remaining opponent: Seattle Seahawks at 91.3 PFM.
These are the two closest on-field builds in the PFM ratings. The similarities matter, but so do the differences.
The Colts are the closest match because both teams put the quarterback at the center of the week-to-week answer. The Cardinals lean on a wide-zone and play-action offense, while the Colts lean on a run-first RPO and play-action offense. The Colts bring more big-play punch.
The Dolphins are another close match because both teams trust the quarterback to set the weekly ceiling. The Cardinals get there through a wide-zone and play-action offense; the Dolphins are built around a motion and run-action offense. The Dolphins have the deeper roster.
Seattle and Los Angeles both have more complete rosters in the NFC West. A wide-zone and play-action plan gives Arizona enough to stay in the race. The remaining problem is quarterback stability and an offensive line still being rebuilt.
Arizona is 0–1 in its only Super Bowl appearance.
