Arizona Cardinals

Offense

The Arizona Cardinals’ offense is loaded with big passing plays for players who like to attack downfield. While this isn’t the style for everyone, a confident passer can really tear up defenses that don’t build up their secondary. Consider also drafting some linemen to allow your QB the time he needs in the pocket.

Key Formation

Gun Flip Trips is an excellent formation, with every concept needed for a successful attack. Use the plays with built-in auto-motion to switch between attacking the corner and over the middle. Your opponent won’t be able to tell what is coming next!

Key Player

90+ QB with 88+ Deep Accuracy

Formations

• SINGLEBACK: Jumbo, Jumbo Pair, Ace, Ace Pair, Pair Tight Twins, Ace Pair Twins, Bunch Ace, Tight Doubles On, Doubles, Zona Y-Trips, Wing Trips
• I-FORM: Pro, Pro Twins, Tight Pair
• STRONG: Pro, Pro Twins
• WEAK: Flex Twins, Tight Pair
• PISTOL: Twin TE Flex
• GUN: Split Close, Ace Twins Offset, Doubles, Y Trips Wk, Wing Trio Wk, Trey, Bunch HB Str, Snugs, Flip Trips, Spread, Trips HB Wk, Empty Trey Flex, Empty Bunch Wide

If you don’t land a big-time WR in the draft, use a tight end. They have similar size and should be able to go up for the new “high-point” throws with an aggressive catch.

OFFENSIVE Draft Targets

• QB (THP, DAC, MAC)
• LT (STR, PBK, RBK)
• WR (6’3”+ SPC, CIT)

Defense

The strength of the Cardinals’ defensive playbook is the LB corps. Since you can have up to five on the field at any time, you can never go wrong selecting just one more. Grab a big DT if available, but otherwise, try to stack your LBs.

Key Formation

The Nickel 2-4-5 Prowl will provide the blitzing firepower and confusion you need to get your opponent off the field on third down. It works best with man coverage, so look for good Speed and Man Coverage ratings in your back seven.

Key Player

CB with 85+ Man Coverage

Formations

• 3-4: Odd, Under, Over, Even, Solid
• 4-4: Split
• NICKEL: 2-4-5 Even, 2-4-5 Dbl A Gap, 3-3-5 Wide
• BIG DIME: 2-3-6, 1-4-6
• QUARTER: 1-3-7, 3 Deep

Adjusting an athletic defensive end to “man up” a TE or drop into a highly targeted zone area is a great way to slow down an offense.

DEFENSIVE Draft Targets

• CB (SPD, ACC, MCV)
• LB X 2 (SPD, MCV, ACC)
• DT (STR, BSH, TAK)