Cardinals, Panthers Starters Set to Play Early NFL Preseason Games

As the 2025 NFL preseason approaches, several teams are adjusting their strategies for playing starters in exhibition games to better prepare for the regular season. The Arizona Cardinals, coming off a disappointing 2024 passing offense, face pressure to have quarterback Kyler Murray and their passing game perform well, with calls for starters to participate more actively in preseason games to build rhythm and cohesion. Similarly, the Carolina Panthers plan to play starters, including quarterback Bryce Young, in the first two preseason games to provide valuable live reps, a shift from their prior cautious approach after Young's early struggles in 2024. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow is expected to see increased playing time in the preseason to help him find his rhythm earlier in the season, addressing past slow starts. This trend reflects a broader change in attitude, as seen in commentary advocating for starters to take meaningful snaps in preseason games to avoid sluggish starts and better meet high expectations, particularly for teams like the Cardinals aiming to contend in 2025. Coaches and analysts emphasize that fear of injury should not prevent starters from gaining necessary live-game experience, as early-season sharpness is crucial for success.