Early standouts 3 days into Arizona Cardinals training camp

GLENDALE — Three days into Arizona Cardinals training camp and there’s been no shortage of highlights.

Early on it was the offense stealing the show, highlighted by an impressive Day 2 showing from quarterback Kyler Murray and Co. But on Friday, it was the defense that turned up the heat.

Cardinals safety Budda Baker kicked things off with a deep pass defensed. Rookie Xavier Thomas made a play, too, deflecting a Desmond Ridder pass and opening up the door for linebacker Jesse Luketa to come away with an interception.

But it was Dennis Gardeck who bookended the afternoon with his “sack” on Murray and the fiery outbursts after the fact that had outside linebackers coach Robert Rodriguez and the rest of the defense giddy.

Arizona Cardinals OLB Dennis Gardeck (@DGardeck) showing off his pass-rushing moves and getting the “sack” on QB Kyler Murray during 11-on-11s.

Zaven Collins and BJ Ojulari were right there, too. #AZCardinals #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/kwueQNVBWn

— Cardinals Corner (@AZCardsCorner) July 26, 2024

Gardeck continues to be a consistent presence defensively for Arizona this camp, whether he’s running with the 1s or coaching guys up on the sideline.

He’s not the only one taking the necessary steps forward, either.

“There’s a lot of excitement right now,” Gardeck told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Thursday. “I think the biggest thing this year is the team aspect of things. We’re one unit, we’re working well together, we’re constantly talking to each other and figuring out, ‘When I’m with this group, how do you guys like to run your games?’ Communication’s at a premium. It just feels like we’re moving at one. It’s not 11 players out there. It’s one defensive unit.”

A look at some of the other early standouts three days into camp:

Cardinals training camp standouts

WR Zay Jones

There might not be a Cardinals player who’s put together a better three days of camp so far than Jones.

Coming in this offseason as a trusted veteran option this free agency, Jones has been as advertised and then some.

His connection with Murray has been on display from the get-go and the WR has rarely — if at all — let a target hit the grass.

Zay Jones (@zayjones11) continues to impress during Arizona Cardinals training camp.

He’s making that battle for WR2 even tighter with his play three days into camp. #AZCardinals pic.twitter.com/nDPlavUyxv

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 26, 2024

“I think it’s still ongoing. It’s a process of just growing and maturation,” Jones told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Friday. “I’m still learning him, I’m still talking to him and getting details down with him. We’re communicating on the field.

“He’s telling me how he sees things and I’m learning what he likes. Because ultimately, this thing funnels through him. … I’m interested and eager to continue that growth with him.”

Michael Wilson appeared to have the upper hand in the WR2 competition entering camp, given his extended time with his franchise signal caller and the playbook, but Jones has at the least shortened the gap.

CB Starling Thomas V

Thomas got a lot of praise from Gannon on Friday.

He proceeded to live up to the hype with another strong day of camp, beginning with an impressive one-handed snag during player drills.

Arizona Cardinals CB Starling Thomas V (@starling__4) right on cue after head coach Jonathan Gannon talked him up pre-training camp practice. #AZCardinals pic.twitter.com/znGjutkYNO

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 26, 2024

Thomas has gotten quite a bit of run patrolling the outside with the first and second teams three days into camp and finds himself in the mix for a starting role.

“He’s doing good,” Gannon said Friday. “I think he’s more comfortable with what we’re asking him to do. He’s comfortable playing the techniques, what works for him and fitting them into what he needs to get done for the defense. I think the game’s slowing down for him mentally.”

“For me, he loves to practice, play, meet,” Gannon added. “He’s always got a positive attitude, keeps the main thing the main thing. He’s a very serious person, which I love. He’s serious about ball and improving his game.”

“He keeps the main thing the main thing.”

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon on Starling Thomas V and what he brings to the cornerbacks room.

JG added the second-year pro is looking more confident and comfortable this camp. pic.twitter.com/iAflVMx1dN

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 26, 2024

The Kyler Murray-Marvin Harrison Jr. connection

This one was bound to happen early on given Murray’s healthy offseason and Harrison’s abilities even as a rookie entering his first camp.

Day in and day out, the two have linked up, further building their chemistry with one another on every catch.

Your daily dose of the Kyler Murray-Marvin Harrison Jr. connection during Arizona Cardinals training camp. #AZCardinals pic.twitter.com/Gt9aGcZJZA

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 26, 2024

It’s an exciting time for Arizona’s offense, which should have a more lethal passing attack to pair with a sturdy run game that should take another step forward.

Now, it’s all about keeping that same energy and consistency when the pads come on.

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