Eventually the Arizona Cardinals will find their long-term quarterback to fully unlock their strong group of pass catchers. In the meantime, at least they found a creative head coach in Mike LaFleur who can also find new ways to utilize all this offensive talent.
For instance, he already has a plan to unlock another layer of Trey McBride's game. LaFleur thinks the next step in expanding McBride's offensive arsenal is to continue adding to his route tree to take advantage of his rare combination of physical tools and skill set.
"He's put some pretty cool tape out already," LaFleur said. "But there are little margins. I think he can have a deeper intermediate route tree because he does have the speed, the body lean, and the savvy."
Trey McBride should benefit from Mike LaFleur's arrival
McBride has already ascended into that top tier of tight ends at the position, in a tier that perhaps only includes just him and Brock Bowers. He's already a member of the Madden 99 club and literally has nowhere else to go. This dude could break the video game.
But seriously, now it's no really longer a matter of McBride getting better himself, but of figuring out how to take advantage of that existing skill set. In LaFleur's case, that means expanding McBride's route tree to utilize that versatility more to take advantage of potential mismatches that come at tight end.
LaFleur's arrival was particularly exciting for the Cardinals' passing game. We've seen the successful aerial attacks he's been a part of with Sean McVay in Los Angeles and Kyle Shanahan across three different organizations, most recently in San Francisco.
Cardinals fans (and fantasy football managers) everywhere were absolutely thrilled with McBride's continued ascension, recording 1,239 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns, and 126 receptions on 169 targets.
Among all NFL pass catchers, he ranked second in receptions behind only Puka Nacua. He tied for second in touchdowns behind only Davante Adams. He even finished sixth in receiving yards as a tight end. A tight end catching balls from Jacoby Brissett on a three-win team.
At 26 years old, McBride only continues to get better himself. But perhaps the scarier thought for the rest of the league is the fact that his external situation will surely only improve.
LaFleur's arrival should help the Cardinals get the most out of their tight end, as much as it realistically can until the quarterback situation improves. It's at least building the foundation in hopes the Cardinals can get back to their winning ways in time to capitalize on the special talent they have in McBride.
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