The Arizona Cardinals didn’t make many changes offensively in this offseason but those changes were significant. According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, two changes took the offensive supporting cast from one of the worst in the league to one of the best.
Quarterback Kyler Murray’s supporting cast of running backs, receivers and tight ends are now a top-10 unit, ranked No. 7 overall after coming in 25th last year.
The crazy thing is they made only two changes. Kenyan Drake replaces David Johnson at running back and DeAndre Hopkins was added at receiver.
Reliability is the theme for Murray’s supporting cast, as both Fitzgerald and Hopkins are capable of being a young passer’s best friend. Meanwhile, Drake has enough home run ability to keep pressure off Murray.
Murray’s ability to attack with both his arms and his legs should ensure that opposing defenses stay off-balance and give Arizona one of the league’s more explosive offenses in 2020.
The only question mark raised was at tight end with Maxx Williams. However, the tight end is not heavily used in the passing game and Kliff Kingsbury raved about Williams’ play a year ago. They are happy with what they have at the position.
Hopkins’ addition is a game-changer at receiver. He allows Christian Kirk to go up against lesser cornerbacks, rather than opponents’ top cover guy. The passing efficiency and production potentially could explode with the influx of elite talent combined with Murray’s maturation.
2020 has the promise of excitement in Arizona.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Ep. 268
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