What happened this offseason?

[ajcardfan]

I was thinking earlier today that in year 3 of a rebuild is when a team should definitely be hitting it's stride and starting to contend. Last season we were 1-2 after three games. On the surface, we are 2-1 and lost by only one point on the road so that looks like improvement. But, we played Buffalo, the LA Rams and Detroit in 2024. Three teams what would go to the playoffs. Far superior across the board to NO, Carolina and the 2025 49ers.

Instead of improvement, we are actually doing WORSE. This is after three drafts and free agencies where we have supposedly gotten the talent added to compete. I only looked at a few things and compared the first three games last year to this year....

Total offense: 2024: 353 per game 2025: 276 per game

Sacks: 2024: 9 2025: 5

Offensive points: 2024: 27.3 2025: 20.6

Murray: 2024: 6 TD, 1 INT, PR 108.3 2025: 4TD, 1 INT, PR 94.6 (almost identical to his season rating of 93.6 in 2024)

Team Rushing: 2024: 127.3 2025: 111.3

I know we are doing better on points allowed by the defense and we have 2 interceptions when last year we had zero after three games. Other than that, it looks like underperforming. And, I have stopped looking things up.

So, to me, that looks like something went wrong with the coaching or talent evaluation during the offseason. Either A) The NFL has got the number of Petzing and Rallis and they didn't adjust their playcalling. B) Our talent was overestimated. C) The mindset was overconfident in our talent. (We can play straight up and win.) D) The concentration to improving on details was lacking or E) All of the above to some degree.

I think it is some combination of the above. On offense, we look too predictable and easy to defend. On defense, we look too conservative because we think our talent is so much better we can rush 4 and play zone a lot more which is really debatable after three games. Overall, I don't see the hunger and effort that even Gannon's first year had. A little too fat and sassy and we didn't even break .500 last year.

Thoughts?

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Plenty of people around here wanted to crown Monti for our "big" offseason. The rest of the NFL gave our efforts a collective yawn. Seems like the rest of the NFL saw what was coming.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

i was going to look up how many sacks we had thru 3 games last year - and that was when we didn't have the weaponry we have now - rallis keeps trying to beat 5 or 6 blockers with just 4 guys and it's killing me smalls - and our secondary

 

[ajcardfan]

i was going to look up how many sacks we had thru 3 games last year - and that was when we didn't have the weaponry we have now - rallis keeps trying to beat 5 or 6 blockers with just 4 guys and it's killing me smalls - and our secondary

Gardeck alone had three sacks in the Rams game.

 

[Cheesebeef]

I was thinking earlier today that in year 3 of a rebuild is when a team should definitely be hitting it's stride and starting to contend. Last season we were 1-2 after three games. On the surface, we are 2-1 and lost by only one point on the road so that looks like improvement. But, we played Buffalo, the LA Rams and Detroit in 2024. Three teams what would go to the playoffs. Far superior across the board to NO, Carolina and the 2025 49ers.

Instead of improvement, we are actually doing WORSE. This is after three drafts and free agencies where we have supposedly gotten the talent added to compete. I only looked at a few things and compared the first three games last year to this year....

Total offense: 2024: 353 per game 2025: 276 per game

Sacks: 2024: 9 2025: 5

Offensive points: 2024: 27.3 2025: 20.6

Murray: 2024: 6 TD, 1 INT, PR 108.3 2025: 4TD, 1 INT, PR 94.6 (almost identical to his season rating of 93.6 in 2024)

Team Rushing: 2024: 127.3 2025: 111.3

I know we are doing better on points allowed by the defense and we have 2 interceptions when last year we had zero after three games. Other than that, it looks like underperforming. And, I have stopped looking things up.

So, to me, that looks like something went wrong with the coaching or talent evaluation during the offseason. Either A) The NFL has got the number of Petzing and Rallis and they didn't adjust their playcalling. B) Our talent was overestimated. C) The mindset was overconfident in our talent. (We can play straight up and win.) D) The concentration to improving on details was lacking or E) All of the above to some degree.

I think it is some combination of the above. On offense, we look too predictable and easy to defend. On defense, we look too conservative because we think our talent is so much better we can rush 4 and play zone a lot more which is really debatable after three games. Overall, I don't see the hunger and effort that even Gannon's first year had. A little too fat and sassy and we didn't even break .500 last year.

Thoughts?

lol... now you want thoughts? Most of the off-season, you and others kept telling a lot of us that we were just negative nancy complainers for daring to ask why we weren't doing anything on offense in FA and that Monti knew exactly what he was doing.

 

[Dayman]

The 2024 draft class was supposed to be a huge catalyst for improvement. Monti had more top 100 picks to spend than any team since the Cowboys after their Herschel Walker trade.

That plan has worked out poorly so far to say the least. We will now get to see what Benson and Rabbit can do in larger roles, but overall, the early returns on that draft class are pretty pitiful.

 

[ajcardfan]

lol... now you want thoughts? Most of the off-season, you and others kept telling a lot of us that we were just negative nancy complainers for daring to ask why we weren't doing anything on offense in FA and that Monti knew exactly what he was doing.

I didn't say anything of the sort.

I actually didn't have a lot of strong opinions on the draft or free agency. I did like both Nolen and Will Johnson, and Hayden Conner was my favorite late draft pick. I did think we were thin at WR and CB, and I didn't like Adams being locked in as a starter. That was the extent of my thoughts. As I get older, I am always "wait and see".

Well, we've seen... and I wonder if something was different with the coaches or these guys just aren't good. We progressed from year 1 to year 2, but I dont' think we have so far this year. If anything we took a step back, especially on offense.

 

[ajcardfan]

On offense, comparing the Buffalo game starting lineup to this year, the ONLY position that changed was RG with Adams starting instead of Hernandez. If you believe in "coach them up" then that continuity SHOULD have led to better production and explosive plays this year.

On defense, only Collins, Budda, Jalen and Mack Wilson are the same. Yes, that was definitely where we needed more talent and you can see Monti tried.

That looks pretty damning for Petzing.

 

[Harry]

Plenty of people around here wanted to crown Monti for our "big" offseason. The rest of the NFL gave our efforts a collective yawn. Seems like the rest of the NFL saw what was coming.

Ossenfort can only draft them, he doesn’t call the plays or the defense. Both coordinators had bad games IMO. Rallis used more rushes but not enough, especially on the last drive. Would love to see Jones’ numbers on 5 & 6 man rushes. Petzing plays not to lose.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Ossenfort can only draft them, he doesn’t call the plays or the defense. Both coordinators had bad games IMO. Rallis used more rushes but not enough, especially on the last drive. Would love to see Jones’ numbers on 5 & 6 man rushes. Petzing plays not to lose.

I'm surprised that Rallis isn't sending more pressure - he has seemed less aggressive overall since we started. I like a lot of pieces in our secondary and trust them to send another body or two to get the QB. I don't like the Petzig offense overall, for the reason you mentioned and what we're seeing week in and out.

I'd be interested in seeing your overall perspective on Monti and his drafting. It seems he's turned a lot of great resources into questionable results so far to me.

 

[Crimson Warrior]

I was thinking earlier today that in year 3 of a rebuild is when a team should definitely be hitting it's stride and starting to contend. Last season we were 1-2 after three games. On the surface, we are 2-1 and lost by only one point on the road so that looks like improvement. But, we played Buffalo, the LA Rams and Detroit in 2024. Three teams what would go to the playoffs. Far superior across the board to NO, Carolina and the 2025 49ers.

Instead of improvement, we are actually doing WORSE. This is after three drafts and free agencies where we have supposedly gotten the talent added to compete. I only looked at a few things and compared the first three games last year to this year....

Total offense: 2024: 353 per game 2025: 276 per game

Sacks: 2024: 9 2025: 5

Offensive points: 2024: 27.3 2025: 20.6

Murray: 2024: 6 TD, 1 INT, PR 108.3 2025: 4TD, 1 INT, PR 94.6 (almost identical to his season rating of 93.6 in 2024)

Team Rushing: 2024: 127.3 2025: 111.3

I know we are doing better on points allowed by the defense and we have 2 interceptions when last year we had zero after three games. Other than that, it looks like underperforming. And, I have stopped looking things up.

So, to me, that looks like something went wrong with the coaching or talent evaluation during the offseason. Either A) The NFL has got the number of Petzing and Rallis and they didn't adjust their playcalling. B) Our talent was overestimated. C) The mindset was overconfident in our talent. (We can play straight up and win.) D) The concentration to improving on details was lacking or E) All of the above to some degree.

I think it is some combination of the above. On offense, we look too predictable and easy to defend. On defense, we look too conservative because we think our talent is so much better we can rush 4 and play zone a lot more which is really debatable after three games. Overall, I don't see the hunger and effort that even Gannon's first year had. A little too fat and sassy and we didn't even break .500 last year.

Thoughts?

It's exactly the question we should be talking about, especially on offense.

I think the main culprit for the regression is the offensive line play. I'm not sure if it's the personnel (like you mention the only new starter is Adams, but I liked the Colon kid at LG better than Brown), or the scheme/coaching, but last year run blocking was a strength, this year it's a liability. Pass blocking has been about the same (and is just barely okay).

Add to that I think JC (whom I greatly respect) maybe slowed down half a step, although it's a little hard to tell with the bad run blocking

Finally, Maddening Marvin Harrison is somehow playing worse than his rookie year! He was supposed to take a big step forward, but he has shockingly taken half a step back.

I'm not sure how much DP is to blame, but I've lost some faith in him these first three games. The media is picking up the story about our anemic offense, and unless things improve, he'll be the first offensive leader to get cut loose.

 

[oaken1]

We lost Klayton Adams.
That hit to our offense was just too much.
This Frye guy needs to go back to college because he just ain't NFL coaching material

 

[unseenaz]

Year 3 of a rebuild should be the takeoff - "Playoffs or bust", "K1 will shock the haters", "Gannon doubled his wins last year with no talent" instead, we look stuck. Stats are down, playcalling is predictable, Kyler’s basically flatlined - not terrible, not great, just the same guy. The roster was overhyped and we look dead in the water.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Year 3 of a rebuild should be the takeoff - "Playoffs or bust", "K1 will shock the haters", "Gannon doubled his wins last year with no talent" instead, we look stuck. Stats are down, playcalling is predictable, Kyler’s basically flatlined - not terrible, not great, just the same guy. The roster was overhyped and we look dead in the water.

Here’s the weird part… was the roster even overhyped? People expected the defense to make strides, but the holes on offense were still pretty stark, and the questions about Kyler only grew louder after another collapse to end the season.

From my recollection, going into this season, the narrative wasn’t “This team is ready to win the division and be a contender!” It was this team could be a 10 win team and be a wild card playoff team. Which was really underwhelming for the third year of a rebuild and now we’re seeing why, IMO.

 

[Buckybird]

Ossenfort can only draft them, he doesn’t call the plays or the defense. Both coordinators had bad games IMO. Rallis used more rushes but not enough, especially on the last drive. Would love to see Jones’ numbers on 5 & 6 man rushes. Petzing plays not to lose.

Especially with Jones having a knee issue & wearing a brace that was very clear to see by anyone paying attention. Maddening. As many good things as Rallis does, he & JG get ultra conservative too often!!! Attacking teams generally win consistently, passive teams don’t!!!

Btw how many times did Petzing call run plays directly at Werner for nada when he would lineup on a specific side. He plays scared NFL football

 

[FB94]

Petzjngs offense is the definition of insanity at times. Running the same tired old plays over and over and expecting a different result.

 

[BACH]

Ossenfort can only draft them, he doesn’t call the plays or the defense. Both coordinators had bad games IMO. Rallis used more rushes but not enough, especially on the last drive. Would love to see Jones’ numbers on 5 & 6 man rushes. Petzing plays not to lose.

This is my take. The talent has definitely improved. While not perfect, Monti is batting above average IMO. The defense that had very limited talent looks great with both the FA additions and draft picks. The offense's output and scheme is just horrible. Overall approach is way too conservative.

I have personally tuned out a bit. So frustrated with what we are seeing. We see brilliance in glimpses, but super inconsistent.

 

[Chopper0080]

Apparently,

We lost Klayton Adams.
That hit to our offense was just too much.
This Frye guy needs to go back to college because he just ain't NFL coaching material

Petzing was asked about this today…he said no.

 

[oaken1]

Apparently,

Petzing was asked about this today…he said no.

The Petzing wants to hang on to his scapegoat until he is needed.
Besides, no coach is going to throw his subordinates under the bus 3 weeks into the season.
He needs the guy focused on improving at this job rather than spending his time networking for his next job.

 

[Harry]

I'm surprised that Rallis isn't sending more pressure - he has seemed less aggressive overall since we started. I like a lot of pieces in our secondary and trust them to send another body or two to get the QB. I don't like the Petzig offense overall, for the reason you mentioned and what we're seeing week in and out.

I'd be interested in seeing your overall perspective on Monti and his drafting. It seems he's turned a lot of great resources into questionable results so far to me.

Working on a different major post right now. Thanks for asking. I’ll take it on next.

 

[football karma]

i think NFL units are like sharks: they need to keep moving forward or they stagnate. This has been true of other units in the NFL as well, not just the Cards.

Monti / JG looked at the offense and said "we're good". That was a mistake. They needed to upgrade it.

as much as i complain about the WRs, the lack of attention to the two guard spots might have been worse.

 

[Chopper0080]

i think NFL units are like sharks: they need to keep moving forward or they stagnate. This has been true of other units in the NFL as well, not just the Cards.

Monti / JG looked at the offense and said "we're good". That was a mistake. They needed to upgrade it.

as much as i complain about the WRs, the lack of attention to the two guard spots might have been worse.

I think the Cardinals just assumed every player would be as good or get better which hasn’t happened obviously. Also…more motion.

 

[Stout]

My cap space jersey couldn't be more relevant.

 

[JohnnyCakes]

Plenty of people around here wanted to crown Monti for our "big" offseason. The rest of the NFL gave our efforts a collective yawn. Seems like the rest of the NFL saw what was coming.

we're 2-1 with many injuries, c'mon man.

 

[football karma]

I think the Cardinals just assumed every player would be as good or get better which hasn’t happened obviously. Also…more motion.

yep

i wonder if enough D coordinators in the offseason looked hard at all of the Cards unique run game schemes and came up with some stuff to counter

during the week to week prep in the middle of a season, thats hard. But over an offseason......