In 2024, the Arizona Cardinals fell flat once again, failing to reach the postseason after a promising start to the year. But their offense wasn't to blame. Arizona had an above-average offense by most metrics, and it was powered by an elite rushing attack.
According to one analyst, that rushing attack is the unstable cornerstone that could cause the Cardinals' entire season to crumble in 2025.
Analyst maps out worst-case scenario for Cardinals' offense
In a recent article, Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballentine mapped out the best and worst possible scenarios for each NFL offense. We covered the best-case scenario for the Arizona Cardinals earlier this week. Now, let's take a look at the team's worst-case scenario.
According to Ballentine, Arizona's season could fall apart if their rushing attack doesn't hold up. Ballentine points out the Cardinals' weakness at the right guard spot, adding that the team isn't particularly strong at right tackle, either. Ballentine says, "If Murphy’s Law prevails in the desert, then Arizona could wind up having serious issues with the entire right side of the line."
It's reasonable to expect some level of decline in efficiency for the Cardinals' run game this season. Isaiah Adams will likely take some time to adjust to a starting position after replacing Will Hernandez. Perhaps more importantly, star running back James Conner is another year older. Conner has been incredible for the Cardinals over the last two seasons, but at the age of 30, it's fair to expect some degree of regression for him this season.
But the Cardinals are one step ahead. They've already planned for Conner's eventual decline, whenever it may come. Arizona drafted running back Trey Benson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Benson played a very limited role in his rookie year, but he seems ready to step into something more this season. If Benson can take the torch from Conner, however gradually, it could mean sustained success for the Cardinals' rushing attack.
There is still the question of how Isaiah Adams performs as a starter. Adams, also a 2024 draft pick, started in five games for the Cardinals at the tail end of his rookie season. He showed the growing pains that most rookie offensive linemen do, but he was a passable starter.
In an offense that is so reliant on its running game, Adams will have to be more than passable this year. He will need to adjust quickly to his role as a full-time starter. Based on his limited sample size, there's reason to believe that he can do it.
The Arizona Cardinals' rushing attack is one of the best in the NFL, and if Trey Benson and Isaiah Adams can meet expectations in 2025, it'll stay that way.