{"id":100947,"date":"2025-06-03T15:11:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T15:11:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/100947\/"},"modified":"2025-06-03T15:11:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T15:11:12","slug":"pffs-locker-lists-cardinals-jonathan-gannon-on-hot-seat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/100947\/","title":{"rendered":"PFF’s Locker lists Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon on hot seat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon may be on the hot seat entering Year 3 with a 12-22 record across two seasons. PFF\u2019s Bradley Locker seems to think so, listing him and nine others as head coaches needing to prove themselves heading into 2025.<\/a><\/p>\n

Gannon\u2019s tenure in Arizona has been an uphill battle, winning four and eight games, respectively, in his two years with the team. Despite having extensive experience as a defensive-minded coach, the Cardinals haven\u2019t found much success on that side of the ball. Writes Locker:<\/p>\n

Arizona has ranked 32nd and 27th in defensive EPA per play during Gannon\u2019s first two years, respectively. The team also faces questions about the long-term future of Kyler Murray (82.1 PFF overall grade), who has fluctuated between MVP candidate and question mark.<\/p>\n

And now, lacking roster talent won\u2019t be an easy excuse. Gannon and the Cardinals have made the defense a priority this offseason by using high-profile picks and free agency to add impact-level starters who can contribute immediately.<\/p>\n

Arizona\u2019s roster has been extremely lackluster throughout Gannon\u2019s tenure, which is why it\u2019s hard to fully blame him for the team\u2019s performance. A much-needed infusion of talent was added this offseason via Josh Sweat\u00a0(70.0 PFF overall grade),\u00a0Calais\u00a0Campbell\u00a0(85.9 PFF run-defense grade),\u00a0Walter Nolen\u00a0(88.9 PFF overall grade) and\u00a0Will Johnson (76.7 PFF coverage grade).<\/p>\n

The Cardinals certainly invested in the defense this offseason beyond the cash, dedicating all but one of their 2025 draft picks to that side of the ball.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is going to be a defensive-lead team,\u201d safety Jalen Thompson said on Arizona Sports\u2019 Wolf & Luke last Thursday<\/a>. \u201cWe were in a lot of games last year with the defense, and we could have won more games if we had a little more. This year should be a little different.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have some new guys on the defensive line, and in the DBs room that are all ready to go. They\u2019re intentional, they come to practice, they\u2019re consistent. I think that should be really good for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the Cardinals certainly had a successful free agency and draft on paper, they also have exciting second-year players returning who they hope can take the next step in their NFL careers.<\/p>\n

Defensive tackle Darius Robinson, whom the Cardinals used a late first-round pick on in 2024, is someone Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort hope can play to his draft potential<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Offensive weapons Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey Benson are two more second-year pros the Cardinals are hoping take leaps in 2025.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re in different locations, all of them, because they all had a different first year, but I think that the continuity in all three phases and then the ability to take what they did last year, learn and grow from it to take the next steps that are needed for them to become the players that they want to be to hit their ceiling. I think they\u2019re all right there,\u201d Gannon told Arizona Sports\u2019 Burns & Gambo on Thursday.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen opportunity knocks, you got to seize it because D-Rob\u2019s going to be different, than Trey Benson\u2019s going to be different, than (Xavier) Weaver is going to be different, from Tip (Reiman). \u2026 They all have different roles on the team but when that opportunity comes you got to seize it. I think our guys are excited about that and ready to take the jump.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Gannon did take a step in the right direction last season winning eight games, he won\u2019t want to test ownership by finishing below .500 for the third straight season. The impressive offseason additions and promising returning players should mean a much more competitive team, but it is up to Gannon to get the most from his players and establish the Cardinals as a true threat and team to watch out for in the NFC.<\/p>\n

\t
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