Cardinals Near the Finish Line of a Grueling Season, Face High-Powered Bengals Next
As the 2025 NFL season winds down, the Arizona Cardinals find themselves limping toward the finish line with a 3-12 record and more questions than answers. It’s been a season marked by injuries, inconsistency, and frustration - and with just two games to go, the Cardinals are staring down another tough matchup, this time on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cardinals Defense Faces a Tall Task Against Bengals Offense
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this has been a long, difficult year in the desert. But while the playoffs are out of reach, these final two games still matter - for evaluation, for pride, and for players fighting for their future.
This week, Arizona travels to Cincinnati to face a Bengals team that, like the Cardinals, is out of the playoff hunt. But unlike Arizona, the Bengals have been showing signs of offensive life, especially with Joe Burrow back under center. Burrow’s presence alone elevates the Bengals' ceiling, and when you throw in Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and emerging rookie Chase Brown, it’s a group that can put up points in a hurry.
And that could be a problem for a Cardinals defense that’s been leaking points at an alarming rate. Arizona has allowed 40 or more points in four of their last seven games, and while they held the Falcons to 26 last week, the Bengals just dropped 45 on the Miami Dolphins - a stark reminder that this unit still has some serious firepower.
To make matters worse, the Cardinals will be without two of their best defensive players this week. The absences of DL Walter Nolen III and CB Garrett Williams - both placed on injured reserve - are significant blows. Nolen had been developing into a disruptive force on the line, while Williams was one of the team’s more reliable corners.
CB Will Johnson Steps Into the Spotlight
With Williams out, rookie corner Will Johnson becomes a key figure in Arizona’s defensive game plan. The Cardinals’ secondary is thin, and Johnson will likely be tasked with covering either Chase or Higgins - not exactly a light assignment.
Johnson’s rookie campaign has been a mixed bag. He struggled in tough matchups against the Rams and Texans, but bounced back with a strong showing last week against Atlanta.
He held Falcons WR Drake London to just three catches for 27 yards and broke up two passes in one-on-one coverage. That’s the kind of performance the Cardinals need to see more of, especially with so much youth in the secondary.
The coaching staff, particularly head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, deserves some credit here. Despite the struggles, they’ve managed to get solid performances from several young defensive backs, including Johnson and fellow rookie Denzel Burke. That development could be a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season.
Offensive Opportunity? Maybe.
If there’s a glimmer of hope for Arizona, it’s this: the Bengals’ defense has been one of the league’s worst in terms of points allowed, giving up 30.5 per game - the highest mark in the NFL.
That’s notable because Arizona has yet to crack the 30-point barrier in a single game this season. If there’s ever been a chance to finally put together a complete offensive performance, this might be it. The Bengals have been vulnerable, and while the Cardinals’ offense has been inconsistent, there’s talent on that side of the ball - especially at tight end.
Three Cardinals Earn Pro Bowl Honors
Despite the team’s record, a few bright spots have emerged - and they’ve been recognized league-wide. Tight end Trey McBride and safety Budda Baker were both named to the Pro Bowl, while outside linebacker Josh Sweat earned a spot as an alternate.
McBride has been nothing short of sensational. His 109 catches for 1,098 yards and 10 touchdowns have not only shattered franchise records but also positioned him as one of the most productive tight ends in the league this season. He’s been the engine of this offense, a reliable target regardless of who’s under center.
Budda Baker continues to be the heart and soul of the defense. With 111 tackles on the year, he’s once again shown his ability to fly around the field and make plays - even if they don’t always show up in the box score with flashy stats like interceptions.
Then there’s Josh Sweat, who’s quietly having one of the best seasons of his career. With 12 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, 43 pressures, and 11 sacks (tying his career high) - and still two games to go - he’s been worth every penny of his contract.
Roster Moves and Injury Updates
The injury bug hasn’t let up. Walter Nolen III (knee) and Garrett Williams (Achilles) both landed on IR this week, ending their seasons. For Williams, the road to recovery will be long and challenging.
In response, the Cardinals made a pair of roster additions. Kicker Josh Karty was signed off the Rams’ practice squad, giving Arizona a new leg after Chad Ryland’s recent struggles. They also added defensive back Kalen King from the Panthers’ practice squad to help shore up the depleted secondary.
Around the Valley: Quick Hits
- Coaching Shuffle: With RB coach Alonzo Carter departing, assistant RBs coach Lyle Moevao will step into the lead role, per head coach Brent Brennan. Moevao worked closely with Carter this season and should provide some continuity.
- Baseball Moves: Arizona’s Wildcat baseball program hired Sean Kenny as its new pitching coach following John DeRouin’s move to the New York Mets organization.
- Hockey Progress: The group working to bring NHL hockey back to Arizona revealed its full panel, which includes Taylor Burke, son of original Coyotes owner Richard Burke. It’s a small but significant step toward the dream of NHL hockey returning to the Valley.
- Suns Get Back on Track: The Phoenix Suns picked up a much-needed win over the Lakers, 132-108. Dillon Brooks led the way with 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting, and Devin Booker added 21 points and 11 assists. The Suns now sit at 16-13 with a road matchup against the Pelicans coming up Friday.
With just two games left, the Cardinals are playing for pride and progress. The playoffs are out of reach, but individual performances - like those from McBride, Baker, and Sweat - still matter. And for young players like Will Johnson, these moments are about more than just surviving the season - they’re about building something for the future.