Arizona Cardinals Offense Must Keep Going Building Momentum Ahead of the 2026 NFL Season

On this preseason crossover episode, Alex Clancy (Locked On Cardinals) and Marcus Mosier (Locked On Cowboys) dive into the parallel tracks of two NFL teams with quiet offseasons, high-powered offenses, and defenses still searching for their identity. The duo sets the stage for Saturday night’s Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys showdown—a matchup that may not feature many starters, but carries plenty to watch beneath the surface. The conversation kicks off with reflections on the benefits of a drama-free offseason. Marcus discusses how the Cowboys enjoyed relative calm this year, finally putting an end to the annual barrage of contract drama that’s dogged the team for decades. Alex draws comparisons to the Cardinals’ approach, highlighting steady talent retention, key draft moves like adding Jeremiyah Love and Carson Beck, and the surprising early effectiveness of new head coach Mike LaFleur. They explore what LaFleur and Brian Schottenheimer have brought to their respective offenses. There’s deep discussion around quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s role as a reliable "game manager," and how efficient schemes can elevate talent across the roster. Meanwhile, Clayton Adams’ transition from Arizona to Dallas and the focus on fixing the Cowboys’ run game are dissected. The hosts analyze why the Cardinals are being undervalued by many, despite a promising mix of young skill players and an offense that’s quietly put up impressive numbers. They also revisit last season’s shocking Cardinals win over Dallas—a rare highlight in Arizona’s recent history that still stings in Cowboys land. Both teams’ running back rooms are in the spotlight, with Marcus questioning who will step up as Dallas’s RB2 behind Javonte Williams and whether a trade for a Cardinals back like Trey Benson could be in play. Alex provides insight on Arizona’s embarrassment of riches at RB—and their durability concerns. Receiver rooms are broken down in depth. Marcus illustrates the unique challenges and expectations for a player like Marvin Harrison Jr. in Arizona’s evolving passing attack, and how a competent QB like Dak Prescott can be a "cheat code" for Dallas receivers. The duo debates what realistic production looks like for Jeremiyah Love and how target shares will be distributed across a crowded Cardinals offense. On defense, both analyze the potential for improvement. Marcus describes the range of outcomes for Dallas—from simply making the postseason with a league-average defense to challenging at the top of the NFC if young players and new coach Christian Parker click. The evolving safety and cornerback situations for both clubs are examined, with Marcus praising the additions of Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson for Dallas. The episode wraps by setting expectations for the Saturday matchup: what matters most is staying healthy, evaluating key battles at backup QB and RB, and sorting out depth, particularly in the defensive backfield. Both hosts agree that with so many moving pieces and young talent being groomed, the rest of the preseason is about refining both teams’ identities and infrastructure rather than the win column. Packed with insight, candid takes, and an honest look at where each franchise stands, this episode is an ideal primer for fans of both the Cardinals and Cowboys as the NFL season draws near. Let's discuss.   Photo Credit: Jon Rondone - Imagn Images   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   KALSHI For a limited time,Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/lockedonnfl! #squarepod Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)     Find and follow Locked On Cardinals on your favorite podcast platforms:     Apple https://apple.co/3gzT6Pg Spotify https://spoti.fi/3wsOL7a Audacy https://bit.ly/3xdaqjU Stitcher https://bit.ly/3cFWffn Google https://buff.ly/2yH7WOl Megaphone https://bit.ly/2RUBlC5 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.