Cardinals vs. Chiefs preseason opener (8/8/25): See Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and a new defense debut. Get the first look at Arizona's new era.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The wait is finally over. Tomorrow night, the Arizona Cardinals kick off their 2025 preseason campaign against the Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium, and the buzz feels different this year. This isn't just another exhibition game; it's the first glimpse of a team many analysts believe is poised to make a significant leap into the NFC playoff picture.
He's running through contact... that's a big-time separator for a receiver.
While the final score won't count, tomorrow night's game is a crucial first test. All eyes will be on the key pieces of this revamped roster. How does Kyler Murray look connecting with a newly bulked-up Marvin Harrison Jr. and the freshly extended Trey McBride? More importantly, this is our first chance to see the rebuilt defense in action. The formidable new defensive line featuring free agent acquisitions Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, and the legendary Calais Campbell, alongside first-round pick Walter Nolen, will get its first taste of battle against a perennially tough Chiefs team.
Speaking of Harrison, the second-year phenom has been the talk of training camp. After an offseason dedicated to adding muscle, his improved physicality is already paying dividends. Coaches and teammates have raved about his performance, highlighted by a spectacular contested back-shoulder catch over veteran safety Jalen Thompson. Head coach Jonathan Gannon specifically praised Harrison's newfound ability to run through contact, a skill that will be crucial as he looks to elevate his game and become one of the league's truly elite receivers.
The optimism isn't just about the offense. General Manager Monti Ossenfort made a clear statement this offseason: the defense must be better. The free agent additions provide veteran power and pass-rushing prowess. They're joined by a draft class loaded with defensive talent, including first-rounder Walter Nolen (DT), second-rounder Will Johnson (CB), and edge rusher Jordan Burch. The goal is to build a unit that can not only stop the run but also pressure opposing quarterbacks, something that has been missing in recent years.
This aggressive roster overhaul is why expectations are soaring. After doubling their win total from 2023 to 2024, the Cardinals are no longer seen as a rebuilding project. NFL analysts are projecting a 10-7 finish, which would likely secure the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs. With the stability of Head Coach Jonathan Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort entering their third year, the plan is clear: end the franchise's three-year playoff drought and make a serious run at the NFC West title for the first time in nine years.
Tomorrow's game against the Chiefs is the first chapter in what promises to be a thrilling season. It's a chance to see if the offseason hype translates to on-field performance. Watch for the new defensive line's impact, the connection between Murray and Harrison Jr., and the overall energy of a team that finally believes it's ready to contend. The rebuild is over; the hunt for the playoffs begins now.
