​The Arizona Cardinals have ushered in a fresh offensive system, and fans know the general idea, but live-action proof has been scarce. OTAs and minicamps have offered the only early glimpses, leaving everyone eager to see the scheme in motion with actual players. With Mike LaFleur at the helm as the new head coach and former offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, there’s a natural curiosity to study how his approach might unfold by reviewing Rams footage from 2023, 2024, and 2025 to anticipate what Arizona might do. Thanks to today’s technology, full Rams games are accessible as easily as a YouTube search, making it easier to compare play design and tempo across teams.
The Cardinals’ environment is not the only place where this offense has shown up. The Rams, the Green Bay Packers, and the San Francisco 49ers have essentially used a similar scheme with their own distinctive twists, and some would even include the Houston Texans in that circle. A common thread among these teams is their postseason success, with all of them securing playoff spots in recent years, suggesting that the core offensive concepts they share are capable of producing results. It’s a compelling pattern for Arizona to consider as it rolls out its version of the system this season. Each NFL year, about four teams transition from outside the playoffs to the postseason, and even a team that posted just four wins the previous year can flip the script and go 13-4, so the Cardinals’ aspirations are not unfounded.
One clear and prominent feature expected this season is an increased reliance on tight ends. The Cardinals are likely to deploy 11 and 12 personnel as a standard formation, with 13 personnel used in specific packages that feature a third tight end. The emphasis on multiple tight ends will be a constant element of the offense. The team already has a strong starter at tight end in Trey McBride, which provides a solid foundation to build from. But behind him, there is a competition looming for the TE2 role, and the competition could shape the depth and versatility of the unit as the season unfolds.
At present, seven tight ends are in the Cardinals’ training camp roster, and the expectation is that four will remain on the final roster after cuts. TE2 is expected to be a hot competition between Tip Reiman and Elijah Higgins, with Higgins standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds. Reiman is an intriguing player: at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, he’s a physically imposing presence who can contribute as a blocker, pass catcher, and run blocker, bringing a unique blend of size and athleticism. His background in kinesiology from the University of Illinois points to a thoughtful understanding of movement and strength, and his aspiration to become a strength and conditioning coach after football adds an extra layer to his profile.
Reiman’s path has included a notable rookie-year role as the third tight end behind McBride and Higgins, with responsibilities on special teams. He also logged offensive snaps in Week 1, illustrating that the coaching staff recognizes his potential to contribute in multiple phases and alignments. His combination of size, blocking ability, and athleticism makes him a compelling option for the team’s ongoing tight end development and depth.
In summary, the Cardinals’ new offense is built around a tight-end-forward approach, with multiple tight end sets and a focus on versatile personnel groups. The presence of McBride as the top tight end provides a strong anchor, while the competition for the next two or three spots promises to shape the unit’s depth and versatility throughout the season. The coaching staff’s strategy to leverage 11, 12, and occasional 13 personnel should create mismatches and maintain offensive variety, helping Arizona blend the new system with the personnel it has and potentially realize notable on-field improvements this year.