Arizona’s offense is producing points and moving the chains but has generated few plays that meet the NFL definition of ‘explosive.’ Coach Mike LaFleur wants more big-yard plays through the air and the run to shorten drives and change game flow.
Through three weeks the Cardinals have produced only two pass plays of 20+ yards and four rushes of 10+ yards, while opponents have had nine such passes and 11 such runs.
Coach Mike LaFleur says the pass game 'is a real thing right now' and wants the team to marry the run and pass, incorporate under-center looks, and create more yards after catch.
The offense has been efficient across most quarters—LaFleur cites about 10 of 12 quarters as 'pretty good'—but lacks chunk plays that shorten drives and provide game-changing field position.
The team and reporting use a simple threshold: 20 yards or more for a pass play, 10 yards or more for a rush. Those marks matter because chunk plays shorten drives, flip field position, and reduce the need for long, sustained possessions to score.
During the game in San Francisco, a deep pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. resulted in a 19-yard completion after he was brought down one step shy of breaking free. LaFleur also noted downfield shots to Harrison and Michael Wilson that simply didn't connect—plays that could have turned into explosive gains.
Mike LaFleur described the lack of explosiveness in the pass game plainly: "In the pass game, it's a real thing right now. We're three weeks in and we haven't been extremely explosive." He acknowledged the offense's efficiency across most quarters—"the good part of 10 out of the 12 quarters this year they've done a pretty good job of staying efficient"—but said the team must produce more chunk plays.
LaFleur discussed multiple concrete avenues to generate bigger plays: marrying the run with the pass, using under-center formations, getting more yards after the catch, and being more multifaceted in playcalling rather than predictable. He also described explosive run plays as often the result of a crease and burst that happen organically, suggesting scheme plus player execution both matter.
The Cardinals' offense can continue to score through long, efficient drives, but the lack of explosive plays increases the burden on the defense and can make it harder to overcome elite opponents. Creating more chunk plays would shorten drives and free up play-calling options. The team has clear targets—downfield passing connections and creating bigger creases for rushers—where small adjustments or better execution could produce measurable changes.
Arizona's offense is functional and efficient in many situations, but the deficit in explosive plays is an identified weakness the coaching staff is trying to correct through scheme variety, emphasis on yards after catch, and balanced playcalling. The coming weeks will show whether the Cardinals can convert close calls and deep attempts into consistent chunk gains.
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