Arizona Cardinals

Connected Franchise Mode Strategy CFM Team Rating: 82 OFfense: 85 Defense: 81 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Offense Defensive Scheme: Attacking 3-4 Strengths: WR, LE, CB, LG, LT Weaknesses: HB, TE, OLB, DT 2014 Team Rankings 2nd NFC West (11-5-0) Passing Offense: 14th Rushing Offense: 31st Passing Defense: 29th Rushing Defense: 13th 2014 team leaders Passing: Drew Stanton: 1,711 Rushing: Andre Ellington: 660 Receiving: Michael Floyd: 841 Tackles: Rashad Johnson: 92 Sacks: Alex Okafor: 8 Ints: Rashad Johnson: 4 Key Additions LG Mike Iupati LB LaMarr Woodley DE Cory Redding Key Rookies T D.J. Humphries DE Markus Golden RB David Johnson Owner: Bill Bidwill Legacy Score: 650 Coach: Bruce Arians Level: 26 Legacy Score: 500 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Offense Defensive Scheme: Attacking 3-4

Offensive Scouting Report

• Now that the left side of the line is set, give QB Carson Palmer plenty of time to look downfield. You have the size and speed at WR to make explosive plays if you can get the time in the pocket. Keeping Palmer healthy is your main goal this season; you need his consistency.
• HB Andre Ellington had a solid year catching out of the backfield, but he will average more yards per carry and stay healthy to become an every-down option for the Cardinals. Look to grab some depth early in free agency.
• Michael Floyd led the Cardinals in receiving yardage and TDs despite having only 47 catches. Develop chemistry with your QB and continue to make those big plays to your young star WR.

Defensive Scouting Report

• DE Cory Redding adds some good strength to the defensive line, but don’t expect him to get into the backfield on run plays with only average block shedding. Calais Campbell is your all-around star; he will win most matchups with excellent finesse moves inside.
• The Cardinals have some young talent at the safety position. Keep developing FS Tyrann Mathieu and work on his strength to make him an every-down player. Don’t forget about Rashad Johnson, who put up big numbers last year. Find a way to get him in the lineup for passing situations.
• Patrick Peterson still has the size and speed to match up with any WR in the league. However, the matchup on the other side of the field is where most teams will attack. Give extra safety help on that side of the field.

Schedule

Key Players

• Floyd has the aggressive catch trait, which means he will attack the ball if you give him a chance one on one downfield.
• Floyd led the team in receiving TDs last year with good reason; he is a beast in the red zone.

• Campbell is 6’8”, which can really clog up throwing lanes for players who like to pass short over the middle.
• What really sets Campbell apart is excellent pursuit and play recognition for his size and position. Get creative with him.

• Humphries might have a tough time playing over Jared Veldheer early, so consider giving him some snaps at RT depending on performance.
• Continue to develop Humphries as a run blocker, because pairing him with LG Mike Iupati will be an incredible combo on the left side.

• Start grooming Thomas to take over. His consistency and accuracy need some upgrades.
• Thomas adds an extra element to your offense. Use his athleticism to surprise the defense.

OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

SPECIAL TEAMS

Best Offensive Plays

BEST RUN: Pistol Twin TE Flex — Strong Power

Setup:

• Do not outrun your blockers on this play; let your LG get out in front.
• This run is hit or miss — don’t force it, and consider playmakering it left if it looks bad off the right edge.
• Get your best run-blocking TE or extra lineman in the game to lock down the right edge.

Advanced Setup:

• Motion your far right TE out wide (optional).

Running Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS: Gun Ace Twins Offset — Posts

Setup/Reads:

• Against zone coverage your best option is a high-point throw to the corner, or you could check down to the flat and run after the catch.
• Against man-to-man get your best route-running TE in the game on the right side. Hit your HB on the cut as a backup option.
• Against the blitz max protect before the snap and go deep downfield.

Advanced Setup:

• Slant the TE on the left of the screen.

Passing Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

Best Defensive Plays

BEST RUN DEFENSE: 3-4 Under — Will Fire 3 Seam

Setup:

• Your outside CBs won’t be much help with this specific coverage — your LBs are the key.
• Blitzing the run can be good on short yardage, but if you lose the edge containment, you risk giving up a big gain.

Player to control:

• Blitzing left-of-screen LB (contain the edge)

Run Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS DEFENSE: Big Dime 2-3-6 — Cover 4 Press

Setup:

• Shade your coverage underneath on nearly every snap where your opponent has less than 7 yards to go for a first down.
• The press look could throw off the offense, especially with Patrick Peterson up in the WR’s face.

Player to control:

• LE (finesse rush)

Pass Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ