Seven tight ends on the roster headed into training camp, six capable running backs already in the building, and a totally revamped offensive line. Yeah, the Arizona Cardinals are bringing a heavy run game to the gridiron this year, and it looks like a whole new beast. This isn't just talk, either, the franchise has a history of guys who love to run the rock down the defense’s throat, from Ollie Matson and Charley Trippi all the way to David Johnson, James Conner, and Johnny Roland. They’re leaning into that legacy hard.
Rebuilding for the Run
You don't just decide to run the ball heavy; you build for it. And the Cardinals have clearly been busy. With three of their five offensive line starters set to be different this season, they’re not messing around with patchwork. They’re building a foundation. And those seven tight ends on the roster aren't just for show. This new offense is planning on using two or three tight ends on almost every single play. That tells you everything you need to know about their commitment to moving bodies and opening lanes. Think about their legendary O-linemen like Irv Goode, Dan Dierdorf, or Ernie McMillan; it shows they know what it takes upfront to get the job done. This isn't about finesse; it's about power.The Pin-Pull Concept: Unlocking the Perimeter
So, how are they gonna do it? One blocking technique that isn't widely used but is definitely gaining traction across the NFL is the pin-pull concept. This common power-gap rushing style has found its place among teams that prefer a truly dominant running game, especially when they want to get the football into the hands of their best player, whether between the tackles or out to the perimeter. This isn’t a brand new invention, but it has gained more acceptance in the past five years because it lets linemen communicate and execute the best possible attack. Here’s the breakdown: the play gets two offensive linemen out in space on the perimeter as lead blockers for an outside run. Usually, it's either both guards or the center paired with a guard. The first blocker "pins" a defender, and the second "pulls" around that block into space. It's designed to work best when those pulling players are light-footed and quick to adjust to the defensive target. This is the absolute best way to get extra blockers to the point of attack on perimeter runs, allowing the runner to take his route anywhere from the C-gap all the way to the sidelines. It’s different from a true middle zone or a "buck sweep"; it’s a "horizontal stretch" of the defense that can hit inside the tight end to the outside towards the sideline. This isn't your grandma's run game. Keep your eyes peeled to see how this heavy run game, especially with that pin-pull concept, starts to shape up in the early part of the season. If they can execute it, this could be a major headache for defenses week in and week out.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.