Raising Zona
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Finally, the Arizona Cardinals tight ends should play a major role

By Daniel Outerbridge

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 24: Tight end Zach Ertz #86 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football en route to scoring a 47-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Texans 31-5. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 24: Tight end Zach Ertz #86 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football en route to scoring a 47-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Texans 31-5. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) Maxx Williams /

Maxx Williams and the Arizona Cardinals redemption tour: Coming to a city near you

Williams began last season as the starting tight end, but five games into the season, he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee ending his season. Now, with the addition of Ertz and McBride, it remains to be seen how Kingsbury will implement Williams into the offensive scheme.

The creative mind of Kingsbury should figure out how to get one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL in some capacity. With the talented running backs the Cardinals have at their disposal, Williams should play an integral part in the running game.

He could also be used as an extra blocker in pass protection in 2-tight end sets as well. Even better, Williams could be used as a decoy on passing downs and on play action. But, first, Kingsbury uses Williams to be a physical presence up front with his massive 6’4 252-pound frame.

With defenses having to account for the Cardinals receivers and fellow tight ends Ertz and McBride, it could open the door for Williams to get opportunities to make plays and have an impact.

While none of his receiving stats blow anybody away, he could be a very dangerous weapon in the Air Raid, especially since most of the attention will be diverted to the skill position players on the field. Williams was on pace to record career highs in targets, catches, and yards before he was injured.

Ideally, the Cardinals could use Williams in goal line situations as a blocker, or he could be a viable target in the red zone with his size creating mismatches, especially against defensive backs and more undersized linebackers.

Murray made Williams into a reliable pass-catching option before the injury happened. We will have to watch how Kingsbury rotates this group, especially in goal line and short yardage situations.

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