**GLENDALE - The Arizona Cardinals are looking to bounce back after a rough 3-14 season in 2025. Injuries were a factor, but the real issue was an offense that never cracked 30 points in a game.
Enter new head coach Mike LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, brought in by GM Monti Ossenfort and owner Michael Bidwill to fix the offensive woes. **
While challenges remain, there’s optimism about the pieces already in place. NFL analyst Matt Okada suggests that Jacoby Brissett could thrive in this new system, despite last season's 1-11 record when he was under center.
Key Offensive Insights:
The Cardinals saw improvements in several key offensive metrics during Brissett's 12 starts compared to Kyler Murray’s five. There was a notable increase in called pass rate, total yards per game, and success rate. LaFleur and Hackett need to establish a new offensive identity, and while Aaron Rodgers won’t be stepping in, Hackett might mold the offense based on his previous experiences in Green Bay and New York.
Former head coach Jonathan Gannon's tenure saw the team ranked 22nd in points per game. LaFleur, coming from the Rams’ top-ranked offense, brings a fresh perspective.
Though he didn’t call plays in L.A., his experience with the Jets, alongside Hackett, is valuable. Both faced challenges in New York due to quarterback issues-LaFleur with Zach Wilson and Hackett with an injured Aaron Rodgers.
Brissett, at 33, is coming off a career-best season with 3,336 passing yards and 23 touchdowns in 12 games. His average of 280.5 yards per game would have led the NFL last season. With a weak quarterback class in the 2026 draft and free agency, Brissett could be the starter in a revamped system, serving as a bridge while developing young talent for future seasons.
Looking Ahead:
The Cardinals are at a crossroads, with LaFleur and Hackett tasked with revitalizing an offense that has struggled. Brissett’s recent success provides a foundation, and the team's leadership is focused on building a competitive squad. As the Cardinals aim to climb back into contention, all eyes will be on how this new coaching duo can leverage their experience and Brissett’s momentum to spark a turnaround.