Are the 2026 Arizona Cardinals Better than the 2025 Arizona Cardinals?
In this episode of Locked On Cardinals, Alex Clancy delivers a comprehensive roster audit for the Arizona Cardinals, comparing the projected 2025 lineup with last year's squad and breaking down whether the franchise has truly improved in the key areas of coaching, defense, and offense. Alex Clancy opens the discussion with a deep dive into the offense, outlining how additions like Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier, and Chase Bisontis could elevate the unit, especially with the return of stars such as Trey McBride and Michael Wilson. He tackles the perennial Kyler Murray debate, weighing whether the team is better off moving on from the dynamic but inconsistent quarterback in favor of a more structured approach with Jacoby Brissett or whomever leads the huddle in 2025. The conversation shifts to the defense, where Alex Clancy acknowledges the losses (most notably Jalen Thompson) and scrutinizes the talent and depth of the current roster. Is the defense poised to regress after a stretch of solid play when healthy last season, or will new pieces and a fresh philosophical approach under Nick Rallis and added veteran coaching help the unit surprise skeptics? When reviewing the coaching staff, Alex Clancy points out the crucial transition to an offensive-minded head coach, analyzing how the arrival of Michael LaFleur and veteran coordinator Nathaniel Hackett could reshape the way the Cardinals manage crucial down-and-distance situations. He argues that the revamped run game and improved playcalling discipline could finally give Arizona a sustainable offensive identity, while also providing indirect benefits to the defensive side of the ball. Wrapping up, Alex Clancy delivers his way-too-early verdict: offense looks better, defense could take a step back, but coaching upgrades tip the organizational outlook in a promising direction. This episode offers Cardinals fans a nuanced, no-holds-barred forecast packed with personnel analysis and strategic insight for the upcoming season. Let's discuss. The Best Daily Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Host Alex Clancy (@ClancysCorner) take an unbiased approach covering the biggest Cards stories. Become a part of the Locked On Cardinals EveryDayer Club: https://lockedoncardinals.supercast.com/ Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-cardinals/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nfl/ #NFL #arizonacardinals Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
