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The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in another playoff-less season, and while that was due to some close games that didn’t go their way, it’s been a tough slog ever since.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon’s team is in decline on defense, having allowed 40 or more points in four of its last six games, all of which were losses.
One of the main culprits defensively is the Cardinals’ lack of tackling prowess, ranking lowest of all NFL teams in that category, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon pauses before answering a question during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
But Gannon believes NFL rules have a role to play in his team’s struggles in this area.
“The way the rules are set up, it’s hard to get better as a tackle in the NFL, I will say that,” Gannon said, according to ESPN.
With numerous missed tackles recorded in last week’s 40-20 loss to the Houston Texans, making it 11 in their last 12 games, Gannon told reporters that tackles were a topic of conversation on his team this week.
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He added that the Cardinals run tackling drills in practice, but believes there is “no drill you can do that can mimic a game.”
ESPN Research found that the Cardinals have allowed 40 runs of at least five yards after first contact, which ranks third in the league.
The league, however, limits padded practices to just 14 during the regular season, 11 of which must take place during the first 11 weeks of the season. This is consistent with the league’s 2020 collective bargaining agreement.
While players need to hone their tackling skills and have few opportunities to do so, Gannon sees a lack of development opportunities within his team.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon walks onto the field before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
“The rules are the rules,” Gannon replied when asked if he would like to see those rules changed.
Gannon even said it was like telling PGA Tour star Scottie Scheffler he can’t practice his wedges.
“It’s set up the way it’s set up, it’s great,” Gannon said. “But to improve a skill, you have to practice it. You practice the skill, you can adapt it, you can increase the tempo, you can adapt the way you do it, but to practice a skill, you have to practice it.
“So it’s a conundrum that I think all defenders face and there’s a risk-reward to trying to practice with it, however you set things up.”
Of course, each team is in the same position as the Cardinals with league rules.
“A lot of people think you can’t practice it, you’re better off acquiring people who can tackle because you’re not going to help them at all,” Gannon added. “It’s also a thought process. Everyone has their own choice. But it’s a challenge.”
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With a 3-11 record and no playoff series in progress, the Cardinals are evaluating everyone on their roster in these three remaining games, where Gannon and the rest of the staff hope to tackle and all phases improve to end their losing streak.
It starts Sunday with the Atlanta Falcons, who have one of the most explosive running backs in the league in Bijan Robinson.
