The Cardinals’ passing game has gone quiet, with Kyler Murray failing to threaten deep despite solid pocket time and a run game that’s cratered. Arizona ranks 30th in average depth of target, forcing a conservative, checkdown-heavy attack that lacks explosiveness even as Murray shows mobility and accuracy. Drops and poor run blocking compound the issue, and Seattle presents a stern test Thursday as Arizona searches for a path to vertical offense.

Run-game struggles drive the tendency to protect the ball over pushing the ball downfield. A return from Will Hernandez could help stabilize the line, but the offense must clean up drops and find balance to re-open the vertical game before it derails fantasy value across Murray’s weapons.

Hernandez nears a return, rejoining the Arizona interior as Brown and Adams struggle. The plan is to slot him in when ready, providing depth and potential starter-level impact.

Arizona is 2-0 but the run game and protection need improvement. A cutback block by Zay Jones on a Connor run showcased the effort the unit wants more of, while GM Monti Ossenfort says Hernandez is progressing toward game action.

Illinois produced 21 former Illini on 2025 NFL rosters (plus four on practice squads), underscoring a strong Illini-to-NFL pipeline. Chase Brown projects as Cincinnati’s backfield lead, Sydney Brown anchors Philadelphia’s secondary, and Isaiah Adams solidifies Arizona’s interior line. Additional Illini veterans across the league provide depth and potential late-season fantasy value, making Illinois alumni worth monitoring beyond Week 1.

This cohort includes multiple offensive linemen and defensive players who could see increased roles as teams evaluate depth and injuries. Fantasy managers should track snap counts and Week 1 availability for these players, as roster moves and coaching changes can unlock surprising value from this Illinois pipeline in 2025.

Isaiah Adams dominated the Cardinals’ preseason opener, earning the nod as the night’s most outstanding player after Arizona beat Kansas City 20-17. The right guard, entering year two, showed off added polish in pass protection and remained a force in the run game at 6’4”, 315 pounds, building a compelling case to lock down the starting spot despite Will Hernandez’s return.

The performance is meaningful for fantasy managers because a stable interior line can unlock both the ground attack and play-action timing, boosting quarterback and backfield efficiency. If Adams sustains this level into the regular season, Arizona’s offensive line could become a quietly valuable source of consistency and upside, particularly in run-heavy or boot-action schemes. Hernandez’s veteran presence could push Adams to a higher floor, while opening avenues for team-wide improvements as the offense grows in Year 2 under Jonathan Gannon.

One preseason game isn’t a prophecy, but Adams’ climb from camp to lights indicates a potentially pivotal season arc for the Cardinals’ interior line. Fantasy players should monitor depth-chart movements and any continued Bryan-motion or zone-blocking look that underscores Adams’ ability to anchor the right side. If he holds the job, the Cardinals’ run efficiency and play-action effectiveness could trend up in the early weeks of the season.