Cardinals training camp takeaways: Defense wins Day 2

GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals embarked on their first day of open training camp practices Friday.

And for the Cardinals fans sitting in the stands for the first time this camp, the day was largely led by Arizona’s defense.

Whether it be Max Melton breaking up a Marvin Harrison Jr. catch or Elijah Jones sticking on a couple of wideouts like glue, Arizona’s cornerbacks room was solid Friday.

The Cardinals secondary came to play during Day 2 of training camp (even if Rabbit missed the INT). pic.twitter.com/nkdpiNv4IU

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 25, 2026

The only real knock on the secondary as a whole was the lack of turnovers, especially when Dadrion “Rabbit” Taylor-Demerson had an easy pick during early 11-on-11 work.

He definitely realized he missed one there.

But it didn’t stop there for the defense, as Arizona’s front was able to get some good pressure throughout the first, second and third teams.

Among those getting to the quarterback was defensive lineman Darius Robinson, who could use all the good tape he can ahead of a critical Year 3.

P.J. Mustipher and Eku Leota also got in the backfield. Walter Nolen III flashed his burst, too.

Walter Nolen III flashes his burst to start Day 2 of Cardinals training camp. pic.twitter.com/pO0jiUG5VG

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 24, 2026

For a team desperately needing to find a pass rush outside of Josh Sweat, it’s at least something to build off of.

Tough look for the offense

While there were plenty of positives for the defense, it was tougher to do so with the offense.

Gardner Minshew II and Carson Beck took first- and second-team reps throughout team drills, though neither looked sharp.

One miss that stood out was Beck overshooting a wide-open Jeremiyah Love in the end zone during 11-on-11s.

Growing pains are going to be there for the young quarterback, but for the crowd shouting for him to be the Week 1 starter, this wasn’t your day.

The line struggled, too, with multiple “sacks” given up and Mack Wilson Sr. meeting Love yards into the backfield standing out.

The only real offensive bright spots from practice were tight end Trey McBride, Kendrick Bourne and Love.

It won’t count (because out of bounds) but great focus from TE Trey McBride to track this one down.

Helluva route, too. pic.twitter.com/8y0ymhmEB5

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 24, 2026

McBride wasn’t perfect but made the most of an up-and-down quarterback showing with a couple of impressive catches.

Bourne also showed off his hands and connection with Minshew during team drills. He also made sure to acknowledge the Red Sea.

Kendrick Bourne with the snag and the celly during 11-on-11s. pic.twitter.com/md8bUhjmr5

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 25, 2026

Same with Harrison outside of the Melton pass breakup.

As for Love, the kid is shifty.

Sure, pads aren’t on yet, but Friday was just another example of the potential he has in Arizona’s backfield.

Jacoby Brissett still working from behind

As for Brissett, the veteran quarterback was again participating during individual work, but did not get any snaps in during 11-on-11s.

It’ll be interesting to see how his snap count unfolds in the coming days, especially when the team enters its next block of practices on Tuesday.

Running backs James Conner and Trey Benson have followed a similar path as Brissett so far this camp, with Tyler Allgeier, Love and Bam Knight getting the majority of the reps.

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