The Arizona Cardinals started their 2026 NFL journey in earnest with training camp opening on July 22, a week earlier than 30 other NFL teams.
That early start was because the Cardinals are playing in this year's 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6 against the Carolina Panthers, the other team that started camp early.
The early start means extra preparation time for this season, something Cardinals' defensive coordinator Nick Rallis welcomes.
“The biggest thing you get with that extra time is you can spread out installing a scheme,” Rallis said. “You can just take your time a little bit more during the install meetings and really be on the details with the players.”
Rallis was retained as defensive coordinator by new head coach Mike LaFleur.
Rallis has been with the team since 2023 and was part of Jonathan Gannon's staff.
Special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial, who is in his first year with the Cardinals, said the extra time can help his unit get on the same page sooner.
“We're at a point in camp where it's still fresh and new, but it's also a challenge for the guys on how much recall they've had since the spring,'' Ghobrial said. “And, you know, I'm pleasantly impressed with where our guys are at.”
New Cardinals offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said the early start means extra walk-throughs as the offense learns a new system.
“I really give the players a lot of credit understanding the system and being able to have a good walk through these first few days,” Hackett said.
Arizona is returning many of its offensive players from a year ago and adding running back Jeremiyah Love, the team's first-round draft pick this year out of Notre Dame.
LaFleur wasn't ready to reveal starting lineups for the Hall of Fame Game when asked on Friday, July 24.
“I have an idea. I'm not going to start saying names or anything like that because I don't want to be held to that,” LaFleur said. “Game zero, if you will, the Hall of Fame Game, I mean, it's so quick and this is a first for me. I have an idea but I’m not willing to share just yet.”
Rallis believes the extra preparation time will have a positive impact that goes beyond that first preseason game.
“After this year, I'm going to feel spoiled, like, "Man, I wish I had that extra week so I could spread these things out,’” he said. “So, I do love this extra time, and then just accumulating more reps. Like we get better at football by playing football. So, these reps are huge for us."
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Cardinals' coaches relish early start to training camp
