Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride enters this season after an impressive campaign with 126 receptions, 1,239 yards, and 11 touchdowns, establishing himself as a key offensive weapon. Since joining Arizona in 2022, McBride has faced the challenge of adjusting to three different head coaches, now preparing to work under newly hired offensive-minded head coach Mike LaFleur.
Although McBride has not spent much time with LaFleur in person, he has closely observed the offensive coordinator’s work over the past three years with the Los Angeles Rams, gaining insight into what a LaFleur-led offense could bring to the Cardinals.
McBride’s Optimism on LaFleur’s Offensive Approach
Speaking at the Annexus Pro-Am event during the WM Phoenix Open, McBride expressed enthusiasm for LaFleur’s arrival and his offensive style.
“They have had a lot of success over there in L.A. They love the tight end. They love to throw the ball. They do a great job of mixing it up and all sorts of things,”
McBride said.
“Very excited for what he brings to the table and I think we’ll have a lot of fun with him.”
He continued,
“I got to see him on his interviews and (he had) a lot of energy, a lot of excitement. I think he’ll do a great job and get us back on track. I’m really excited just to get to know him more, get his guys in and I think we’ll have a great season.”
How the Rams’ Use of Tight Ends Could Influence Arizona’s Offense
LaFleur’s offense in Los Angeles relied heavily on involving tight ends, even during a season when star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams commanded major attention with record-breaking performances. The Rams adjusted to injuries at wide receiver by maintaining tight ends as featured contributors.
Colby Parkinson led the tight ends group with 43 catches for 408 yards and scored eight touchdowns, demonstrating big-play potential despite modest yardage totals. Other contributors included Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen, all combining for 720 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns.
Arizona’s Roster Fits LaFleur’s Offensive Style
Last year, the Rams used more 13 personnel formations—one tight end and three wide receivers—than any other NFL team, a shift that evolved naturally over time rather than being a preplanned scheme. With Arizona’s current players like Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins, Tip Reiman, Michael Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr., LaFleur has a strong foundation to implement similar strategies.
Even though the Cardinals face uncertainty at quarterback, this personnel group provides promising options for the new offensive system to take shape.
LaFleur’s Vision for Building the Cardinals’ Offense
During his introductory press conference, LaFleur emphasized the importance of developing the offense with
“foundational aspects that are going to be tried and true.”
He explained,
“It wasn’t like we were sitting here a year ago saying, ‘Hey, we’re probably going to (have) the most 13 personnel uses in football.’ That’s an absolute lie. The best offenses I’ve been a part of, they’ve organically just gotten to that point.”
He added that working with players like McBride will be key to figuring out how best to utilize them moving forward.
Outlook for the Cardinals’ Offensive Revival
With Mike LaFleur’s arrival, the Arizona Cardinals hope to quickly revitalize their offense by capitalizing on Trey McBride’s talents along with other skilled receivers and tight ends. While progress may take time as the offense adjusts, the seamless blending of personnel familiar to LaFleur’s approach offers a pathway to improved performance.
The upcoming season will be critical to watch as the Cardinals seek consistency and a return to scoring efficiency under new leadership, making McBride and LaFleur central figures in this turnaround effort.
