Arizona Cardinals executives announced on May 29, 2026, that their revamped rushing attack has been crowned the league’s most improved position group by ESPN analyst Ben Solak. This accolade arrives at a pivotal juncture as the franchise prepares for the free-agency frenzy and the upcoming NFL Draft, signaling a fundamental shift in how the organization intends to compete in the grueling NFC West. For a franchise that has historically fluctuated between offensive brilliance and inconsistency, this ranking validates a multi-year commitment to establishing a physical identity at the line of scrimmage.
With the season-ending sprint toward training camp, the Cardinals’ backfield overhaul stands out among a crowded field of roster moves. The recognition follows a year in which the team’s ground game surged while rival offenses stalled, positioning Arizona as a potential dark-horse for the NFC West. In a division featuring the high-octane attacks of the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, the ability to control the clock and dictate tempo is not just a luxury—it is a survival mechanism. By transforming their rushing attack, Arizona is effectively attempting to neutralize the defensive aggression of their divisional opponents by forcing them to defend the entire width of the field.
Veteran head coach Jonathan Gannon, who inherited a sub-1,000-yard rushing season in 2024, has leaned heavily on zone-blocking schemes that mirror the successful play-calling of the 2022 Rams. This philosophy emphasizes lateral movement and patient running, allowing backs to find cutback lanes rather than simply crashing into the teeth of the defense. . This metric is particularly telling when compared to the league average, as it suggests a level of efficiency that creates shorter distances on third downs and keeps the chains moving. The change also forced defenses to respect a two-piece attack anchored by Chase Edmonds and rookie Isaiah Likely, a balance that analysts say could keep Kyler Murray upright longer in games by reducing the number of obvious passing downs where defenses can pin their ears back and rush the passer.
What recent moves propelled the Cardinals ahead of the competition?
Arizona’s front office, led by General Manager Monti Ossenfort, prioritized upgrades at running back during the 2025 season, signing veteran depth and rotating younger talent to spark production. Rather than relying on a single “bell-cow” back—a strategy that has become increasingly obsolete in the modern NFL due to injury risks—the Cardinals adopted a “committee approach.” This rotation allows for a blend of veteran savvy and rookie explosiveness, ensuring that the offense maintains high energy levels throughout all four quarters.
By season’s end, the Cardinals posted the highest year-over-year gain in rushing yards per attempt across the league, a metric that analysts say directly correlates with sustained offensive efficiency. This surge wasn’t merely a result of talent, but of a systemic overhaul of the offensive line’s communication and footwork. By integrating more versatile blockers who can pull and lead, the Cardinals have created a multifaceted rushing attack that can pivot from a wide-zone stretch to a power-gap scheme without changing personnel, making them one of the most unpredictable offenses in the league.
How does the Cardinals’ improvement compare to other teams?
According to Sporting News, the Las Vegas Raiders ranked second in positional upgrades, trailing only the work the Arizona Cardinals did at the running back position. While the Raiders focused heavily on defensive stabilization to support their rebuild, the Cardinals focused on offensive identity. ESPN’s Solak placed the Cardinals at the summit, highlighting their ability to convert short gains into explosive plays. This “big play” capability is what separates an average run game from an elite one; the Cardinals have moved from a team that merely manages the clock to a team that can break a game open with a single 20-plus yard carry.
Historically, Arizona has struggled when their passing game was the only viable threat, leading to predictable play-calling and high turnover rates. By elevating the rushing game to a top-tier status, they have created a symbiotic relationship between the ground game and Kyler Murray’s passing. When defenses are forced to commit an extra safety to the box to stop the run, it opens up the intermediate and deep passing lanes that Murray excels in, effectively creating a “force multiplier” effect for the entire offensive unit.
Why the rushing surge matters for Arizona’s draft board
General manager Monti Ossenfort told ESPN that the team will likely reach for interior line talent in the first two rounds, trusting the current backfield to sustain production. This is a sophisticated piece of roster management; by recognizing that their current backs are performing at an elite level, Ossenfort can allocate high-value draft capital to the guards and center. This ensures that the “engine” of the run game—the offensive line—remains robust and capable of protecting the investment they’ve made in their backfield.
The front office also plans to add a versatile hybrid back in the later rounds, a move designed to keep the offense unpredictable. A hybrid back—someone who can line up as a receiver or a traditional tailback—would allow Gannon to utilize more “empty” sets and creative formations, further confusing opposing defensive coordinators. This approach reflects a modern NFL trend where versatility is valued over raw size, allowing the offense to remain fluid and adaptable regardless of the game script.
Key Developments
- Ben Solak’s ESPN ranking lists the Arizona Cardinals as the #1 improved running back group for 2026, acknowledging the synergy between the coaching staff and the personnel.
- The Raiders added linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean in a 4-for-12 trade, illustrating the league-wide emphasis on defensive upgrades, which provides a stark contrast to Arizona’s offensive-first approach.
- Devin White set a Raiders franchise record with 174 tackles last season, underscoring the defensive talent churn around the Cardinals’ offensive revamp. This highlights the high level of competition Arizona will face when their run game meets elite linebackers.
- Cardinals offensive line coach Sean Kugler earned a 2025 Pro Football Focus “Top 10 Coach” nod for maximizing run-blocking efficiency. Kugler’s ability to refine the technical aspects of zone blocking has been the catalyst for the 4.9 YPC average.
What does this mean for Arizona’s future roster moves?
Front office brass view the top-ranked running back upgrade as a blueprint for upcoming draft selections. By targeting versatile backs who can thrive in both zone and power schemes, the Cardinals aim to lock in a three-year window of balanced offense, easing pressure on quarterback Kyler Murray’s passing workload. The long-term goal is to build a sustainable system where the offense doesn’t collapse if one star player is sidelined.
If the ground game maintains its upward trajectory, Arizona could climb into the top three of the NFC West by season’s start. The psychological impact of a dominant run game cannot be overstated; it gives a team confidence, wears down opposing defensive lines, and allows a team to control the game’s tempo. For the Cardinals, this isn’t just about statistics—it’s about changing the narrative of the franchise from a finesse team to a physical powerhouse. As they enter the 2026 season, the league is now forced to account for a Cardinals team that can beat you with its arm or its legs, making them one of the most dangerous wildcards in the NFL.
How did the Cardinals achieve the biggest rushing improvement?
Arizona’s coaching staff restructured the offensive line’s blocking schemes, emphasizing zone-run concepts and increasing snap counts for emerging backs. The shift, combined with strategic free-agent signings and a commitment to a committee-based rotation, lifted yards per carry by nearly 0.4 from the previous year, moving them from a mediocre unit to the league’s most improved.
Which running backs contributed most to the Cardinals’ surge?
Veteran back Chase Edmonds posted a career-high 820 rushing yards, providing the steady, reliable production needed for third-down conversions. Meanwhile, rookie Isaiah Likely added 540 yards and five touchdowns, providing a dynamic, explosive element to the attack that forced defenses to stay honest and prevent the home-run play.
Will the Cardinals’ rushing success affect their draft strategy?
Yes. General manager Monti Ossenfort has indicated the team will favor defensive talent and offensive line depth in the 2026 draft. Because the backfield is currently performing at an elite level, the team can avoid spending a first-round pick on a running back, instead focusing on the interior line to protect the existing production.
How does the improved run game impact Kyler Murray’s development?
By giving Murray a more balanced attack, the Cardinals reduce his exposure to blitzes and heavy pressure. This allows him to work on deeper routes and improve his passing metrics, as defenses can no longer ignore the run to focus solely on the pass—a factor highlighted by former NFL quarterback coach Mike Martz as essential for a quarterback’s longevity and efficiency.
