Coach Jonathan Gannon ends 'light practices' at Cardinals camp for the 2024 season. See how Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride are leading a new physical era.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Forget what you thought you knew about Arizona Cardinals training camp. Head coach Jonathan Gannon made one thing clear on Thursday: the days of light practices are over. Answering past criticisms head-on, the Cardinals have ramped up the physicality and tempo in Glendale, fostering a hyper-competitive environment as they look to build on last season's 8-9 record and challenge for the NFC West crown.
Trey McBride, now the 3rd-ranked TE in Madden 26, is coming off a massive 111-reception, 1,146-yard season.
Coach Gannon emphasized the need for a tougher, more resilient team, and the proof is on the practice field. Drills are more intense, pads are popping, and the competition is palpable. This new philosophy is already paying dividends. The defense, reinforced by a strong 2025 draft class, is reportedly playing much faster and more effectively than it did at this time last year. Offensively, the team is installing new plays with increased pre-snap motion, designed to keep opposing defenses off-balance. Even second-year phenom Marvin Harrison Jr. is showing a new level of strength, consistently winning contested catches in physical one-on-one matchups.
While the team's identity is being forged in the heat of camp, its star power is getting national recognition. The upcoming Madden 26 release has confirmed what Cardinals fans already knew: tight end Trey McBride (92 overall) and safety Budda Baker (92 overall) are among the league's elite, ranking 3rd and 4th at their respective positions. While James Conner was a notable omission from the top 10 running backs despite two straight 1,000-yard seasons, the competition he faces in camp is fierce. DeeJay Dallas has been a standout, impressing not just as a runner but also as a potential primary return man, a role Michael Wilson has also been seen practicing.
The increased physicality has come with some roster casualties. The team's cornerback depth took a hit with Starling Thomas and Jaden Davis being placed on injured reserve. In a corresponding move, the Cardinals signed Steven Gilmore, brother of veteran Stephon Gilmore, to fill the gap. Despite the injuries, there's significant buzz around another defensive back: rookie Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. 'DTD' has been turning heads with his athleticism and versatility, with many analysts pegging him as a potential breakout star for 2025. He, along with top draft picks like DT Walter Nolen and CB Will Johnson, represents a youth movement aimed at transforming the Cardinals' defense into a formidable unit.
The intensity will be on full display for the public very soon. The Cardinals have officially announced the annual Red & White Practice for this Saturday, August 2, at State Farm Stadium. It will be the first major opportunity for the Red Sea to witness this retooled, more physical roster in person and see if the changes in camp can translate into a team ready to make a serious playoff push in the NFC West.
