The Arizona Cardinals capped off their 2025 preseason schedule with a convincing 20-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at State Farm Stadium, finishing their exhibition slate with a 2-1 record. The game served as a final audition for players battling for roster spots, and several made a compelling case with standout performances on both sides of the ball.
The Cardinals’ offense showcased its big-play potential, particularly in the running game. Running back Bam Knight delivered the most electrifying moment of the night, breaking free for a 67-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Knight finished the game as the leading rusher with 83 yards on just five carries, according to the official game statistics from ESPN. Michael Carter also demonstrated his explosiveness, ripping off a 38-yard gain and concluding his night with 47 yards on five attempts. These performances highlighted the depth Arizona possesses in its backfield behind starter James Conner.
In the passing game, quarterback Clayton Tune commanded the offense for a significant portion of the contest. He completed 12 of his 20 passes for 83 yards, including a precise 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Simi Fehoko in the third quarter. The scoring play extended the Cardinals’ lead and showcased Tune’s ability to execute in the red zone. While the passing attack was methodical, it was efficient enough to control the game’s tempo and put points on the board.
However, the story of the night was the Cardinals’ dominant defensive front. The outside linebacker duo of Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas proved to be a formidable force, consistently disrupting the Raiders’ offense. Burch, a rookie from Oregon, made his presence felt by forcing a fumble that was recovered by Thomas. He also contributed a sack and three total tackles. Thomas was arguably the defensive MVP of the game, terrorizing Las Vegas quarterbacks with two sacks and leading the team’s pass rush. He finished with six total tackles, two of which were for a loss, making a strong final statement for a significant role in the upcoming season, as noted on the Cardinals’ official website.
The defensive effort was a collective success, holding the Raiders to just 10 points. Linebacker Mykal Walker led the team with eight tackles, while several other players, including Cody Simon and Owen Pappoe, each chipped in with five tackles. The unit generated a total of five sacks, consistently applying pressure and preventing the Raiders from finding an offensive rhythm.
With the preseason now complete, the Cardinals’ coaching staff and front office face the difficult task of trimming the roster down to the final 53 players. Performances from players like Knight, Thomas, and Burch have certainly given the decision-makers plenty to consider. The team will now turn its full attention to the regular season, which kicks off on the road against the New Orleans Saints on September 7. The victory provides a positive end to the preseason and builds momentum as the focus shifts to meaningful games.
