2025 NFL PREVIEW - Carolina Panthers

CAROLINA PANTHERS                                                                                               

2024 Record - 5-12-0 

Head Coach - Dave Canales 

2024 Offensive Rank - (29th overall) - 298 YPG; Passing - 188 YPG (30th), Rushing - 110 YPG (18th); SCORING - 20.1 PPG (23rd)

2024 Defensive Rank - (32nd overall) - 405 YPG; Passing - 225 YPG (23rd), Rushing - 180 YPG (32nd); SCORING - 31.4 PPG (32nd) 

Key Additions for 2025 - Tre'von Moehrig (DB), Rico Dowdle (RB), Bobby Brown III (DL), Tershawn Wharton (DL), Christian Rozeboom (LB)

Key Losses for 2025 - Shaq Thompson (LB), Jadeveon Clowney (LB), Jordan Fuller (DB), Xavier Woods (DB), Miles Sanders (RB)

 

OFFENSE - Bryce Young enters his third season at quarterback and in 2024 he passed for 2,403 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions and rushed for 249 yards (5.8 YPC) and six touchdowns. NFL journeyman Andy Dalton (989 passing yards, seven TD, six INT) is the backup quarterback. Chuba Hubbard (1,195 yards, 4.8 YPC, 10 TD) will be the primary running back. Rico Dowdle (1,079 yards, 4.6 YPC, two TD) comes over from Dallas to provide depth. The wide receivers are Xavier Legette (49, 497, four TD), Jalen Coker (32, 478, two TD) and rookies Jimmy Horn, Jr. (Colorado) and Teteiroa McMillan (Arizona). The tight ends are Ja'Tavion Sanders and Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans (both from Notre Dame).  

DEFENSE - Defensive End A'Shawn Robinson (5 1/2 sacks, 80 tackles) leads the front line along with nose tackle Bobby Brown III while the linebackers are D.J. Wonnum (four sacks), Pat Jones II, Trevin Wallace and Josey Jewell (97 tackles). In the secondary, corners Mike Jackson (two interceptions) and Jaycee Horn team with safeties Lathan Ransom and Tre'von Moehrig, Jr. (104 tackles and two picks with Las Vegas in 2024) while safety Nick Scott provides depth. 

OUTLOOK - The Panthers improved slightly in 2024 (from 2 wins in 2023 to 5 wins) and QB Bryce Young showed he can play better after a dismal rookie season. Head Coach Dave Canales would like to see the passing game continue to improve while the running game was decent a year ago and should get a shot in the arm with Rico Dowdle coming on board to team with hard running Chuba Hubbard. Getting more results in the red zone would be a big plus as the Panthers' drives tended to stall too much last season. 

On defense, improvement is definitely a priority as Carolina was dead last in total defense a year ago as well as run defense and points allowed. They were gashed for 180 rushing yards per game and totaled just 32 QB sacks and nine interceptions, so a better pass rush needs to happen along with stopping the run. The Panthers have four rookies on defense in training camp, so it remains to be seen whether the kids, along with some free agents in camp, can help in those areas. Carolina hasn't made the playoffs since 2017 and another season without a playoff appearance appears to be likely.  However, you can never tell as in recent years numerous NFL teams have shown quick turnarounds. Carolina fans are hoping that will be the case in the 2025 season.

2025 SCHEDULE

Week One - at Jacksonville 

Week Two - at Arizona 

Week Three - vs. Atlanta 

Week Four - at New England 

Week Five - vs. Miami 

Week Six - vs. Dallas 

Week Seven - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Eight - vs. Buffalo 

Week Nine - at Green Bay 

Week Ten - vs. New Orleans 

Week Eleven - at Atlanta 

Week Twelve - at San Francisco 

Week Thirteen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - at New Orleans 

Week Sixteen - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Seventeen - vs. Seattle 

Week Eighteen - at Tampa Bay  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS                                                                                

2024 Record - 4-13-0

Head Coach - Liam Coen

2024 Offensive Rank - (25th overall) - 306 YPG; Passing - 204 YPG (24th), Rushing - 102 YPG (26th); SCORING - 18.8 PPG (26th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (31st overall) - 390 YPG; Passing - 257 YPG (32nd), Rushing - 133 YPG (25th); SCORING - 25.6 PPG (27th)

Key Additions for 2025 - Travis Hunter (rookie - Colorado), Jourdan Lewis (DB), Eric Murray (DB), Emmanuel Ogbah (DL), Patrick Mekari (OL), Nick Mullens (QB)

Key Losses for 2025 - Evan Engram (TE), Mac Jones (QB), Gabe Davis (WR), Christian Kirk (WR), Mitch Morse (OL), Brandon Scherff (OL)

OFFENSE - Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is coming off an injury riddled season in which he passed for 2,045 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Brian Thomas was the leading wide receiver a year ago, catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and ten touchdowns and will team with Parker Washington (32, 390, three TD), Dyami Brown, Tim Patrick (33, 394, three TD) and rookie Travis Hunter (number two overall draft pick), who also plays cornerback. The tight end is Brenton Strange, who had 40 receptions for 411 yards and two touchdowns. Tank Bigsby (766 rushing yards, 4.6 YPC, seven TD) and Travis Ettienne (558, 3.7 YPG, two TD) are the running backs.

DEFENSE - The Jaguars will have defensive end Travon Walker (10 1/2 sacks) leading the front line along with Josh Hines-Allen (eight sacks) while Devin Lloyd (team high 113 tackles) and Foyesade Oloukun (107 tackles) are the top linebackers. The secondary will have Travis Hunter and Tyson Campbell at the corners and also Jourdan Lewis at nickel back while Eric Murray (74 tackles with Houston) and Darnell Savage are the safeties. The Jaguars had a meager six interceptions and only 34 quarterback sacks last season.  

OUTLOOK - Jacksonville has a new head coach with Liam Coen taking over after leading the offense in Tampa Bay. The Jaguars will look for the offense to get a jump start with Coen attempting to get Lawrence back in form. Staying healthy will be the key for the fifth year quarterback and the team will try to find balance with the passing and running game. The two-headed monster of  Bigsby and Etienne can pound the rock and if the passing game can get up to speed, the offense should be better. Finishing games has to improve this year as the Jags had TEN one-score losses last season. 

On defense, going upward is the only way heading into the 2025 season after finishing at or near bottom of the NFL in all categories, which also helped lead to a minus-15 in the turnover category. There was a big turnover in personnel on defense in the off-season and with (rookie) Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, in the mix, bigger and better things are expected on defense. The Jags were the worst defense against the pass a year ago, so getting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and forcing more turnovers will be a top priority. The AFC South is not a strong division and two-time defending division champs (Houston Texans) will be the team to beat. The Jaguars should be better in 2025 and winning division games will go a long way to making a run toward the playoffs. 

2025 SCHEDULE  

Week One - vs. Carolina 

Week Two - at Cincinnati 

Week Three - vs. Houston 

Week Four - at San Francisco 

Week Five - vs. Kansas City 

Week Six - vs. Seattle 

Week Seven - vs. L.A. Rams (London, England) 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - at Las Vegas 

Week Ten - at Houston 

Week Eleven - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Twelve - at Arizona

Week Thirteen - at Tennessee 

Week Fourteen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Fifteen - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Sixteen - at Denver 

Week Seventeen - at Indianapolis 

Week Eighteen - vs. Tennessee  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA FALCONS                                                                                                    

2024 Record - 8-9-0

Head Coach - Raheem Morris 

2024 Offensive Rank - (6th overall) - 370 YPG; Passing - 239 YPG (5th), Rushing - 131 (10th); SCORING - 22.9 PPG (13th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (23rd overall) - 345 YPG; Passing - 224 YPG (22nd), Rushing - 121 YPG (15th); SCORING - 24.9 PPG (23rd)

Key Additions for 2025 - Leonard Floyd (LB), Jordan Fuller (DB), Divine Deablo (LB), James Pearce, Jr. (rookie - Tennessee) 

Key Losses for 2025 - Drew Dalman (OL), Matt Judon (LB), Grady Jarrett (DL), Lorenzo Carter (LB), Eddie Goldman (DL), Justin Simmons (DB)

OFFENSE - Michael Penix, Jr. is the top quarterback for the Falcons this season. The second year player took over for injured starter Kirk Cousins late last season and he passed for 775 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Cousins (shoulder injury) had 3,508 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Running back Bijan Robinson had a big year, going for 1,456 rushing yards (4.8 YPC) and scored 14 touchdowns. Tyler Allgeier rushed for 644 yards (4.7 YPC) and had three touchdowns. The wide receivers are led by Drake London (100 receptions, 1,271 yards, nine TD), Darnell Mooney (64, 992, 5 TD), Ray-Ray McCloud (62, 686, one TD) and tight end Kyle Pitts, who had 47 catches for 602 yards and four scores. 

DEFENSE - Up front will be ends Morgan Fox and Zach Harrison along with nose tackle David Onyemata, who had three sacks last year. Rookie James Pearce, Jr. (Tennessee) will look to make an impact as well. The linebacking unit features newcomer Leonard Floyd (8 1/2 sacks with San Francisco) who will play alongside Kaden Elliss (team high 150 tackles and five sacks), Arnold Ebiketie (six sacks) and rookie Jalon Walker (Georgia). The secondary has safety Jessie Bates III (four interceptions and 102 tackles), corners Mike Hughes, A.J. Terrell (two picks) and Dee Alford (80 tackles) as well as safety Jordan Fuller, who was with Carolina last year. 

OUTLOOK - The Falcons lost two overtime games down the stretch last season and that hurt their shot at a playoff spot in the NFC. Head Coach Raheem Morris knows the team can be better this season, especially on defense with some new additions added to the roster. The team has to go out and prove it on the field. Atlatnta's defense gave up too many big plays in 2024 and registered just 31 sacks with 12 interceptions as they were a minus-6 in the turnover category. 

Finishing games will be the focus in 2025 and with (second year QB) Penix taking over the offense, the Falcons will look to avoid turning the ball over so much. The running game is solid with a one-two tandem of Robinson and Allgeier and London is a reliable target in the passing game. If Penix shows he can get it done consistently, this team could challenge the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South title. Making it to the playoffs is always the goal, but the Falcons need a lot to go just right if they expect to get that far this year.   

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Two - at Minnesota 

Week Three - at Carolina 

Week Four - vs. Washington 

Week Five - BYE 

Week Six - vs. Buffalo 

Week Seven - at San Francisco 

Week Eight - vs. Miami 

Week Nine - at New England 

Week Ten - vs. Indianapolis (Berlin, Germany) 

Week Eleven - vs. Carolina 

Week Twelve - at New Orleans 

Week Thirteen - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Fourteen - vs. Seattle 

Week Fifteen - at Tampa Bay 

Week Sixteen - at Arizona 

Week Seventeen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Eighteen - vs. New Orleans  

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - New England Patriots

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS                                                                           

 
2024 Record - 4-13-0 

Head Coach - Mike Vrabel

2024 Offensive Rank - (31st overall) - 292 YPG; Passing - 176 YPG (32nd), Rushing - 116 YPG (13th); SCORING - 17.0 PPG (30th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (22nd overall) - 343 YPG; Passing - 212 YPG (10th), Rushing - 131 YPG (23rd); SCORING - 24.5 PPG (22nd) 

Key Additions for 2025 - Milton Williams (DL), Stefon Diggs (WR), TreVeyon Henderson (rookie - Ohio State), Carlton Davis III (DB), Mack Hollins (WR), Harold Landry III (LB), Garrett Bradbury (OL), Robert Spillane (LB), Morgan Moses (OL)

Key Losses for 2025 - David Andrews (OL), Jonathan Jones (DB), Deatrich Wise (DL), Daniel Ekuale (DL), Jacoby Brissett (QB), Davon Godchaux (DL)

OFFENSE - Drake Maye will be the starting quarterback again after a steady rookie season in which he passed for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and ten interceptions while also rushing for 421 yards (7.8 YPC) and two touchdowns. Rhamondre Stevenson is the top running back for the Patriots and he ran for 801 yards (3.9 YPC) and scored seven times last year. Antonio Gibson (538, 4.5 YPC, one TD) is also in the backfield along with rookie TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State). The wide receivers are Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas (66 receptions, 621 yards, three TD), along with Stefon Diggs (47, 496, three TD with Houston) and Mack Hollins (with Buffalo in 2024) who both come over this season to bolster the passing attack. The tight end is Hunter Henry, who had 66 receptions for 674 yards and two scores. 

DEFENSE - Defensive End Keion White (five sacks) leads the front line along with Newton Williams (five sacks with Philadelphia) and Khyiris Tonga. The linebackers are Christian Elliss, Robert Spillane (158 tackles and two interceptions with the Raiders last year) and Harold Landry III, who had nine sacks last year with Tennessee, as well as Anfernee Jennings (78 tackles) and Jahlani Tavai, who had a team leading 109 tackles. The secondary features corners Christian Gonzalez (two interceptions) and Carlton Davis III, who picked off two passes with Detroit last season. Kyle Duggar (79 tackles) and Jabrill Peppers are the safeties. The Patriots had just 28 sacks and seven interceptions last year. 

OUTLOOK - New Head Coach Mike Vrabel returns to New England, where he played for the team in the 2000s when they won three Super Bowl titles in a four year span (from 2001-2004) and he previously was the head coach with the Tennessee Titans and had some success there. The Patriots defense was decent a year ago, but has to get better at pressuring opposing quarterbacks and forcing more turnovers as the team was a minus-11 in that category. 

The offense will look to pick up the slack from a year ago as Maye enters his second season and the Patriots added in two new wide receivers this year as Diggs and Hollins will look to add more scoring as the Patriots were near the bottom of the NFL last season. The team should improve on the 4-13 mark in 2024 and perhaps challenge to get out of the AFC East basement. Anywhere from six to eight wins would be a big improvement and any more (wins) than that should be considered icing on the cake. 

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Two - at Miami 

Week Three - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Four - vs. Carolina 

Week Five - at Buffalo 

Week Six - at New Orleans 

Week Seven - at Tennessee 

Week Eight - vs. Cleveland 

Week Nine - vs. Atlanta 

Week Ten - at Tampa Bay 

Week Eleven - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Twelve - at Cincinnati 

Week Thirteen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - vs. Buffalo 

Week Sixteen - at Baltimore 

Week Seventeen - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Eighteen - vs. Miami  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Dallas Cowboys

DALLAS COWBOYS                                                                                           

2024 Record - 7-10-0 

Head Coach - Brian Schottenheimer 

2024 Offensive Rank - (17th overall) - 328 YPG; Passing - 227 YPG (11th), Rushing - 101 YPG (27th); Scoring - 20.6 PPG (21st)

2024 Defensive Rank - (28th overall) - 355 YPG; Passing - 218 YPG (17th), Rushing - 137 YPG (29th); Scoring - 27.5 PPG (31st) 

Key Additions for 2025 - George Pickens (WR), Javonte Williams (RB), Kenneth Murray, Jr. (LB), Miles Sanders (RB), Rob Jones (OL), Dante Fowler, Jr. (DL)

Key Losses for 2025 - Jourdan Lewis (DB), Brandin Cooks (WR), Eric Kendricks (LB), Zack Martin (OL), Cooper Rush (QB), Chauncey Golston (DL), Rico Dowdle (RB)

OFFENSE - The Cowboys will have Dak Prescott back at quarterback after he only played in eight games a year ago due to a hamstring injury. Prescott had 1,978 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Running back Javonte Williams comes over this season from the Denver Broncos, where he rushed for 513 yards (3.7 YPC) and scored four touchdowns in addition to having 52 receptions for 346 yards. Veteran Miles Sanders is in camp after coming over from Carolina, where he rushed for 205 yards (3.7 YPC) and two scores last year. Rookie Jaydon Blue (Texas) is another option for the running game. CeeDee Lamb (101 receptions, 1,194 yards, six TD) is the primary wide receiver and George Pickens (59, 900, three TD with Pittsburgh Steelers) will be in the mix as well. Jalen Tolbert caught 49 passes for 610 yards and seven touchdowns while tight end Jake Ferguson had 59 receptions for 494 yards. 

DEFENSE - Defensive End Micah Parsons (12 QB sacks) leads the defense up front. Newcomer Dante Fowler, Jr. (10 1/2 sacks with Washington) will be on the front line as well while DeMarvion Overshown (95 tackles) and Kenneth Murray, Jr. (95 tackles with Tennessee in 2024) are at linebacker.  The secondary has cornerbacks Trevon Diggs (two interceptions) and DaRon Bland along with safeties Donovan Wilson (90 tackles) and Malik Hooker, who had two interceptions last season.  

OUTLOOK - Dallas dropped to a 7-10 record last year after winning 12 games for three consecutive seasons and (former) head coach Mike McCarthy was fired, paving the way for new Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer in 2025. With Prescott back healthy, the Cowboys should score more points this season as he has two prime targets with Lamb and Pickens. The running game could be a question mark after leading rusher (Rico Dowdle) left in the off-season and now Javonte Williams will try and get the rushing attack back in gear. 

Getting Parsons back in the fold will be important on defense as he is seeking a contract extension deal. The team lost linebacker Eric Kendricks (team leading 145 tackles last season) to free agency along with cornerback Jourdan Lewis. Replacing them will not be easy, but if the new players being counted on can maintain some level of consistency, it would bolster the defense, which fell off a year ago. Dallas only had 13 interceptions, but did get 52 sacks, which was third best in the league. Better red zone play would also  improve the defense this season. The playoffs are within reach for the Cowboys, but they have to be steady on both sides of the football throughout the season and keep (QB) Prescott on the field. 

2025 SCHEDULE  

Week One - at Philadelphia 

Week Two - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Three - at Chicago 

Week Four - vs. Green Bay 

Week Five - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Six - at Carolina 

Week Seven - vs. Washington 

Week Eight - at Denver 

Week Nine - vs. Arizona 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - at Las Vegas 

Week Twelve - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Thirteen - vs. Kansas City 

Week Fourteen - at Detroit 

Week Fifteen - vs. Minnesota 

Week Sixteen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Seventeen - at Washington 

Week Eighteen - at N.Y. Giants 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI BENGALS                                                                                  

 
2024 Record - 9-8-0

Head Coach - Zac Taylor 

2024 Offensive Rank - (9th overall) - 366 YPG; Passing - 273 (1st), Rushing - 93 YPG (30th); SCORING - 27.8 PPG (6th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (25th overall) - 348 YPG; Passing -  223 YPG (21st), Rushing - 125 YPG (19th); SCORING - 25.5 PPG (25th)

Key Additions for 2025 - T.J. Slaton (DL), Shemar Stewart (rookie - Texas A & M),  Samaje Perine (RB), Lucas Patrick (OL), Noah Fant (TE)

Key Losses for 2025 - Sam Hubbard (DL), Von Bell (DB), Mike Hilton (DB), Alex Cappa (OL), Akeem Davis-Gaither (LB) 

OFFENSE - Quarterback Joe Burrow once again did his thing, passing for 4,918 yards with 43 touchdowns and just nine interceptions while throwing to top targets Ja'Marr Chase, who had 127 receptions for 1,708 yards with 17 touchdowns. Wide receiver Tee Higgins (73, 911, 10 TD) is the other cog in the air attack along with Andrei Iosivas (36, 479, 6 TD) and tight end Mike Gesicki, who had 65 catches for 665 yards and two scores. Veteran tight end Noah Fant (48, 500, one TD with Seattle) is also available. Running back Chase Brown (990 yards, 4.3 YPC, 7 TD) is the primary runner for the Bengals. 

DEFENSE - Defensive End Trey Hendrickson (17 1/2 QB sacks) is available again pending his contract extension dispute with the team. He leads the defense, which has work to do after a dismal 2024 season. 

Safety Geno Stone (four interceptions) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (three picks) along with linebacker Germaine Pratt (team leading 143 tackles and two INT) are players who get it done for the defense as well. Nose tackle T.J. Slaton comes over from Green Bay to add more depth up front, which would help out B.J. Hill (three sacks), Joseph Ossai (five sacks) and Hendrickson. The Bengals had 36 sacks and picked off 15 passes a year ago, but were in the bottom half of the NFL in points allowed.  

OUTLOOK FOR 2025 - The big question for the team is whether the defense will step up in 2025 to keep them competitive as they play in the AFC North, where the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers were playoff teams a year ago. A quicker start this season would definitely help as they cannot afford another 1-4 start. The schedule appears to be more favorable this time around in the first eight weeks, but they have to prove it on the playing field. 

Head Coach Zac Taylor is one of the coaches rumored to be on the "hot seat" if the team fails to make the playoffs for a third straight year. Barring injury, count on Burrow and company to light up the scoreboard again this season and if the defense steps up, the Bengals could be making some noise come January. They have the talent, it's just a matter of getting things going right out of the gate and maintaining consistency as the season goes along. 
 

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Cleveland 

Week Two - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Three - at Minnesota 

Week Four - at Denver 

Week Five - vs. Detroit 

Week Six - at Green Bay 

Week Seven - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Eight - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Nine - vs. Chicago 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - at Pittsburgh 

Week Twelve - vs. New England 

Week Thirteen - at Baltimore 

Week Fourteen - at Buffalo 

Week Fifteen - vs. Baltimore 

Week Sixteen - at Miami 

Week Seventeen - vs. Arizona 

Week Eighteen - vs. Cleveland  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Arizona Cardinals

ARIZONA CARDINALS                                                                                 

 
2024 Record - 8-9-0

Head Coach - Jonathan Gannon 

2024 Offensive Rank - (11th overall) - 358 YPG; Passing - 214 YPG (18th), Rushing - 144 YPG (7th); SCORING - 23.5 PPG (12th) 

2024 Defensive Rank - (21st overall) - 343 YPG; Passing - 216 YPG (14th), Rushing - 127 YPG (20th); SCORING - 22.3 PPG (15th) 

Key Additions for 2025 - Josh Sweat (LB), Calais Campbell (DL), Jacoby Brissett (QB), Dalvin Tomlinson (DL)

Key Losses for 2025 - Kyzir White (LB), Trystan Colon (OL), Roy Lopez (DL) 

OFFENSE - Kyler Murray is back for his seventh season as quarterback and he had 3,851 passing yards last year along with 21 touchdowns and eleven interceptions. Murray also rushed for 572 yards (7.3 YPC) and scored five touchdowns. The running game will have James Conner (1,094 yards, 4.6 YPC, 8 TD along with 47 receptions for 414 yards and one score) leading the way. The wide receiving corps has Marvin Harrison, Jr. (62 receptions, 885 yards, 8 TD), Michael Wilson (47, 548, 4 TD) and tight end Trey McBride, who had 111 receptions for 1,146 yards and two touchdowns. 

DEFENSE - The Cardinals have defensive tackle Dante Stills (4 1/2 sacks) and end L.J. Collier (3 1/2 sacks) along with 18-year veteran Calais Campbell, who had five sacks last season with the Miami Dolphins. Linebacker Josh Sweat comes over this year from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had eight sacks and will team with outside backer Zane Collins (five sacks) and Mack Wilson. The secondary has corners Sean Murphy-Bunting (three interceptions) and Garrett Williams (two INT) along with safeties Budda Baker (team leading 164 tackles) and Jalen Thompson, who had 98 tackles. 

OUTLOOK FOR 2025 - The Cardinals were up and down a year ago and are looking for more steady play in 2025 with Murray and company making progress, especially with the young wide receivers. Head Coach Jonathan Gannon saw the team double their wins total in the 2024 season (from 4 to 8) and would like to see them contend for the NFC West title as it looks to be a balanced division this year.

The defense added some veterans to help bolster the pass rush, which had 41 sacks a year ago along with nine interceptions. Only four times did opponents score 30-plus points on the Cardinals as they were pretty  strong in the red zone. The key for Arizona getting back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021 will be Murray staying healthy and bringing the passing game up to speed with the rushing attack, which was solid a year ago. This team could get a wild card spot in the NFC if things click, but it would take a much bigger effort to win the division. 

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - at New Orleans 

Week Two - vs. Carolina 

Week Three - at San Francisco 

Week Four - vs. Seattle 

Week Five - vs. Tennessee 

Week Six - at Indianapolis 

Week Seven - vs. Green Bay 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - at Dallas 

Week Ten - at Seattle 

Week Eleven - vs. San Francisco 

Week Twelve - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Thirteen - at Tampa Bay 

Week Fourteen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Fifteen - at Houston 

Week Sixteen - vs. Atlanta 

Week Seventeen - at Cincinnati 

Week Eighteen - at L.A. Rams