As the horn sounded after stretching to mark the start of OTAs, the Cardinals spaced out over the two practice fields by position groups. Per usual, the defense broke out into drills on the field closest to the media. With paper rosters in hand, the local reporters got their first look at the new players added to the unit.
Few were looking in the offense's direction. That's likely because the offense looks nearly identical to 2024.
"It's up to us to own up to that responsibility," running back James Conner said. "It's our job to get the ball in the end zone with the group that we got right now. We feel that responsibility and the pressure is good for us, so we're enjoying it."
The positive impact of continuity has already paid dividends when the Cardinals wore their helmets for the first time on Wednesday.
"We've talked about this with the staff at times too that there's certain things you don't have to have a conversation about or get corrected or teach," offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said. "You can maybe step into some next level stuff in some more detail."
By running it back with the offense, it's a commitment of confidence from GM Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon. They're looking to build upon a season which featured Trey McBride eclipsing 1,000-plus receiving yards and Conner hitting the 1,000-plus rushing yards mark once again. Last season was only the fifth time in franchise history the Cardinals had a 3,000-yard passer in Kyler Murray, and a rusher and receiver both with over 1,000 yards.
Also, it was clear that Marvin Harrison Jr.'s involvement and production shifted towards the end of the season. His only back-to-back games with 50-plus receiving yards came in Week 17 and 18 against the Rams and 49ers.