3 reasons the Cardinals would thrive in a Ravens-like offense
By Sion Fawkes
The Arizona Cardinals would excel in an offensive system similar to what the Baltimore Ravens currently run.
The Arizona Cardinals boast an offense with the same attributes as another flock of birds in the NFL. This one resides on the Atlantic coast of the United States in the city of Baltimore. Except the Cardinals have perhaps more potential offensive firepower than the Baltimore Ravens.
Sure, Baltimore’s old-school, run-first and throw when necessary offense ranked first in the NFL in rushing with 191.9 rushing yards per game last season, and that’s a tough statistic to beat. However, they also ranked 32nd in passing with just 171.2 yards per game. Much of this came from questionable accuracy from Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on his mid-to-deep throws.
But Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray boasts better pocket presence and accuracy on deeper throws than Jackson. And at the same time, he’s every bit as effective of a runner. If not more effective, given his ability to refrain from taking so many hits, unlike Jackson.
According to Pro Football Reference, Jackson’s bad throw percentage was nearly a full percentage point higher than Murray’s in 2020, and his on-target throws sat at 75.3 versus Murray’s 77.1.
Murray also has one of the league’s best receivers in DeAndre Hopkins, along with two capable running backs in Chase Edmonds and James Conner. Also, you can’t forget about the Taysom Hill type of talent that is Chris Streveler.
With those numbers and personnel in mind, Murray and Arizona’s offense could take a Baltimore-like offense and add a new dimension to it. The next sections will show you three reasons why.