Josh Allen sat in front of the Buffalo media earlier in the week and when he was asked about his thoughts on their opponent, he discussed the uncertainty of playing against this new-look Cardinals defense.
"Let's study them and let's understand the type of scheme that they run," Allen said. "At the end of the day, we don't have a whole lot of film on the guys that are actually going to be on the field."
The Cardinals know exactly what to expect when facing a quarterback like Allen.
The former first-round pick has made a name for himself as being one the best two-pronged quarterbacks in the game. Both his ability to stand in the pocket and throw the ball downfield and his awareness that allows him to use his legs to get extra yards is special.
Last season, the Cardinals got experience facing similar quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Justin Fields, or Jalen Hurts. Linebacker Owen Pappoe believes that will help them as they prepare for Allen.
"It's all within the game plan that we have, and we execute it to the highest of our ability," Pappoe said. "Guys like him, he's going to make plays. But we still got to make sure we limit as many of those as possible."
Allen is the youngest quarterback in league history to pass for over 15,000-plus yards and 2,000-plus yards rushing. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, only 12 days older than Allen, accomplished the feat last year. The two remain the youngest in league history with that record.
As the Cardinals constructed their quarterback room, they wanted to find pieces that could – as remotely close as possible – emulate Murray's mobility. Backup quarterback Clayton Tune and practice squad quarterback Desmond Ridder both have athleticism that the Cardinals are maximizing as they prepare for Allen.
"They're both mobile guys," coach Jonathan Gannon said. "We've got a few things that we're going to do in practice to make sure we're on point with that. There's always that element of game day being a little bit different than the practice field, but we'll try to mimic as much as we can, so our guys are ready."
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis described Allen as "elite" while also giving the Joe Brady-run unit its flowers. Running back James Cook finished last season with over 1,100 rushing yards and showed shades of his brother, Dalvin. The Bills also like to use multiple tight ends in their scheme.
But when Allen sees green grass ahead of him, he's a challenging player to stop.
"He's fast and powerful," Rallis said. "It's no different than tackling a running back. We have to take good angles, wrap him up and get him to the ground because he's a load to bring down and he fights for the extra yard. Or if he's in the pocket to stay up and still get that pass downfield."
"Nick has a really good plan for us to be able to limit the things he's going to do," Pappoe said. "He's a talented player and we just got to come ready to play."
Through free agency and the draft, the Cardinals defense looks much improved as they go into Gannon's second season opener as a head coach. And while the players might not be the same, the familiar intensity stood out to Allen and the Bills.
"They're a high-intensity, pedal-to-the-metal type of defense," Allen said. "They don't take plays off. They play extremely hard."
Images of the Arizona Cardinals practicing at the Dignity Health Training Facility before the Week 1 regular season matchup against the Buffalo Bills
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (92) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder (19) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Dante Stills (55) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Roy Lopez (98) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (87) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Divaad Wilson (27) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Julian Okwara (58) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder (19) and Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (92) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (74) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Julian Okwara (58) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zach Pascal (0) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa (43) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Justin Jones (93) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Trystan Colon (63) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder (19) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (74) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Will Hernandez (76) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Chris Moore (10) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (87) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia (82) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman L.J. Collier (91) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Tyler Manoa (90) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (83) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Luke Tenuta (71) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
