Arizona Cardinals Are Officially In Quiet Tank Mode

On this episode of Locked On Cardinals, Alex Clancy dives deep into the Arizona Cardinals’ current state, making a compelling case that the team has entered "soft tank" or "quiet tank" mode. He explains this isn’t the typical, blatant kind of tanking where teams controversially sit healthy stars; instead, it’s more subtle—resting players who are borderline healthy, managing injuries more conservatively, and prioritizing long-term player health over meaningless late-season wins.

Alex Clancy breaks down how the Cardinals' recent lineup decisions—specifically holding out key players like Paris Johnson Jr., Marvin Harrison Jr., and others—reflect a calculated approach toward preserving talent for the future. He dispels conspiracies about intentionally losing, emphasizing that coaches and players still want to win, but the organization is making strategic choices to protect its best assets and maximize the team’s draft position for 2026.

The episode shifts to an in-depth roster and offseason needs analysis, with Alex Clancy highlighting the biggest positions for improvement heading into 2026. He targets right tackle, right guard, and left guard on the offensive line as key priorities, and he champions the idea of drafting premier offensive linemen with the Cardinals’ high first-round pick. He also discusses the importance of continuing to build defensive line depth, pass rushing, and future decisions around players like Budda Baker.

As the Cardinals limp toward the end of a 3-11 season, Alex Clancy stresses there are still critical things to watch for in the remaining games. He outlines what fans should look for from promising young players such as Paris Johnson Jr., Michael Wilson, Will Johnson, Walter Nolan, Garrett Williams, and others. Their continued development will determine how much draft and free agency capital needs to be invested at key positions. There’s also discussion about contract extensions for foundational pieces and the ripple effect of recent draft decisions.

Throughout the episode, Alex Clancy encourages listeners to stay engaged, noting that these final games have meaningful long-term impact on the team’s direction, roster construction, and offseason strategies. He reminds fans that the future of the franchise will be shaped by both the performance and management of its young core in the closing stretch of the season.

Whether you’re looking for insight into the Cardinals’ subtle tank tactics, a breakdown of future roster needs, or reasons to keep watching as the season winds down, this episode brings thoughtful analysis and forward-looking focus for Arizona football fans. Let's discuss.


The Best Daily Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Host Alex Clancy (@ClancysCorner) take an unbiased approach covering the biggest Cards stories.

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