Denver overwhelmed Arizona with a flash-fast first half, piling up 323 yards in the opening frame and striking long on multiple big plays. Evan Engram was a key catalyst for the Broncos, helping drive a 97-yard sequence in 2:02 that included a 58-yard catch-and-run and a 27-yard scoring pass to Tony Franklin, followed by a 70-yard, eight-play march that put the game out of reach. After Arizona tied it at 7, Denver answered with another rapid stretch, aided by a 35-yard run from Jaleel McLaughlin and a string of chunk gains that culminated in a late-second-quarter field goal. The Broncos’ aerial efficiency was evident, with Stidham and Ehlinger pairing for 402 yards on 30-for-39 passing.

Arizona showed fight and learning moments, including a defensive note from Jonathan Gannon on adjustments, rookie Will Johnson’s debut snaps, and a handful of positive plays on defense. Denzel Burke supplied a pass breakup, Owen Pappoe and Patrick Jenkins logged the lone sack, and P.J. Mustipher and Anthony Goodlow added some disruptive plays in the backfield. In specialty, Blake Gillikin boomed punts and Chad Ryland showcased leg strength in warmups, while Emari Demercado and Xavier Weaver provided a few bright returns. The night yielded clear growth for the Cardinals’ young corners and linebackers, even as Denver’s pace and explosiveness left their defense chasing.

Arizona’s second preseason clash with Denver centers on the Cardinals evaluating a bulk of depth pieces while starters sit. Clayton Tune is the focal point after halftime, auditioning for NFL teams as a potential practice-squad candidate or late waiver claim behind Jacoby Brissett. Simi Fehoko brings a guaranteed-money edge and length, while Xavier Weaver has flashed during the opener and remains in a tight roster duel for the fifth or sixth WR spots. Up front, undrafted Josh Fryar and edge players Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas could seize snaps with Jones’ injury creating opportunities. At corner, Elijah Jones, Kei’Tre Clark, and Denzel Burke are battling for remaining roles, while BJ Ojulari’s PUP status could tilt the competition. The game doubles as a roster-barometer for the Cardinals’ depth chart and a glance at Broncos’ readiness for Week 1 depth.

Arizona Cardinal starters produced a potent glimpse of their potential, posting elite first-team rhythm with 7.1 yards per play as Jacoby Brissett steered two scoring drives. Yet Kyler Murray’s troubling ball protection re-emerged with an early interception that underscored the need for safer escapes and better decision-making as the season nears. The Cardinals showcased depth along the line and at wideout, highlighted by strong performances from Emari Demercado and Xavier Weaver, who flashed in the roster battle. Special teams hiccups—fumbles, muffed returns, and a rough start on the opening kickoff—remain a concern even in a win. On defense, Dante Stills and the retooled front offered promising depth, while youngsters like Will Johnson, Max Melton, Xavier Weaver, and Elijah Jones pressed for snaps, tempering the offseason hype with real-world results. The Chiefs came up short offensively, allowing Arizona to squeeze out a 20-17 win before the teams meet again next week. The Cardinals head to Denver riding both optimism and reminders of the discipline still required to turn preseason momentum into regular-season reliability.

The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for their training camp, which begins on July 22. Among the players making headlines is cornerback Denzel Burke, a Phoenix native with a remarkable background. Burke attended Brophy College Prep and Saguaro High School before shining at Ohio State, where he set records as a defensive back with 51 starts and 143 tackles during his college career.

Drafted in the fifth round by the Cardinals, Burke is poised to make an impact in the upcoming season. He recorded 48 tackles and two interceptions last year, showcasing his potential. As the Cardinals finalize their roster and determine roles, Burke's development will be crucial for their defensive strategy.

Arizona Cardinals made a pivotal decision by placing cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting on the non-football injury reserve, effectively ending his 2025 season. This strategic move opens opportunities for the Cardinals, particularly for rookies Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, who now have increased chances of making meaningful contributions this season. Prior to this, the Cardinals bolstered their cornerback depth through the acquisition of veteran Asante Samuel Jr. and the drafting of two promising cornerbacks, showing foresight in their defense plans.

Murphy-Bunting’s contract situation also benefits the Cardinals financially, as they are no longer obligated to pay his nearly $7.7 million salary for the season. With Garrett Williams emerging as a star and Max Melton expected to take on a larger role, the team's defensive strategy appears to be aligning for a dynamic 2025. This off-season transition reflects a proactive approach, similar to their prior strategic moves involving other key roster players.