Cardinals Showcase New-Look 'Back to Basics' Offense

The Arizona Cardinals ran a more traditional looking offense than we're used to seeing from previous regimes as they defeated the Minnesota Vikings in their preseason finale, marking their second 18-17 comeback win of the preseason.

With a college-style offensive coach like Kliff Kingsbury and a talented mobile QB in Kyler Murray, the Arizona Cardinals offense in previous years had shown a great deal of emphasis on screen passes, option plays and timing throws. 

Throughout this preseason, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has shown Cardinals fans that this season's offense will look a little different. 

Although the Cardinals had a less-than-excellent game through the air, the scheme was a refreshing change from past systems. We saw Clayton Tune and David Blough running more plays under center, working off play-action and going for more vertical, downfield throws as opposed to staring down the sidelines and making quick throws.

Tune benefitted from being able to work through his progressions off play-action, as he dropped a perfect toss to Greg Dortch downfield.

who else but dortch 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XYR1C71XA3

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 26, 2023

While the Cardinals' QBs only threw for 158 yards, they completed three passes of over 20 yards, and Tune averaged over 7 yards per attempt. With the exception of a blindside strip-sack on Tune, the offense protected the football, allowing their QBs to work the middle of the field without putting them in too much danger.

But the real indication of Petzing's return to a more traditional style offense came in the run game. Cardinals RB's rushed for 140 yards on 32 carries and a score. The team averaged 4.4 yards per carry, boosted by Corey Clement's 14-carry, 79-yard performance. 

Clement took a tough run for 29 yards to prolong an eventual TD drive to bring Arizona within 2. 

what a run from @CoreyClement_6 💪 pic.twitter.com/G1fAayDUbl

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 26, 2023

There was a solid mix of run plays, some coming off-tackle or in shotgun. However, Petzing also implemented some I-formation plays, going weak-side behind a fullback- a dream come true for color analyst and former FB Ron Wolfley. With starting RB James Conner back in action as the power-back he is, this offensive style could do wonders for his production going forward and open up opportunities in the passing game as well.

The fullback position was another notable aspect of the Cardinals' offensive changes. 2nd-year linebacker Jesse Luketa was given reps at FB, leading the charge on multiple run plays, and even notched a reception before it was ultimately called back by penalty.

.@OttawasVeryOwn's been busy this game. 😤 pic.twitter.com/pTGJCWvu8i

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 26, 2023

There's no doubt the Cardinals' offense might look different with a healthy Kyler Murray, but Drew Petzing's showing this preseason is an encouraging look at a more under-center, downhill run and vertical play-action style offense. 

The days of Arizona's college offense are behind us, and a return to the basics of tough football could end up allowing more freedom to make big plays happen. 

Either way, this Cardinals offense will be something to keep an eye on.

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