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Cardinals Must Make This Offensive Change

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Cardinals Must Make This Offensive Change


The Arizona Cardinals had more than one hole in their offense in 2024.

Plenty has already been made about WR Marvin Harrison Jr.’s underwhelming rookie season, and the overall meager passing results from QB Kyler Murray in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s scheme.

But one overlooked position on the offense this past season was the role of slot receiver. While starting slot man Greg Dortch has certainly shown plenty of ability in years past, he was only afforded 310 snaps on the year, 206 in the slot itself.

He only had 342 yards to show for it, and 144 of those yards came in the final four weeks of the season.

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Again, this isn’t a total knock on Dortch as a player. He rightfully earned the starting slot role with some excellent performances in very limited action in 2022 and 2023.

But the Cardinals’ utilization of the slot position as a whole was a bit unconventional. Rather than sticking with the speedy, agile Dortch (despite naming him the starter), the Cardinals gave 340 slot snaps to Harrison and Michael Wilson.

Then, there’s the elephant in the room. Star TE Trey McBride took 303 snaps in the slot, as opposed to only 233 as the inline tight end.

I know, I know. If it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it. But the truth is, seeing more production out of a true slot receiver could actually help McBride unlock some higher quality looks, especially out of an inline set.

And the inverse is also true. The more snaps McBride gets as an inline tight end, the more opportunity there will likely be for whoever mans the slot position next to him.

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Now, think about what that means. Could it mean a bigger year for Dortch (if Arizona chooses to re-sign him), or whoever they might consider upgrading at the position? Sure.

It also opens opportunities for others.

Wilson and Harrison could see production benefit highly if McBride isn’t the one lining up in the slot every time. For receivers who might have more of an agility-based skillset than a lightning fast one, the middle of the field offers many opportunities, especially if the biggest star on the field is bringing confusion to the coverage.

Again, this doesn’t mean the Cardinals should limit or change McBride’s role, but drawing up more plays for a top-end receiver in the slot can help draw DBs away from the star, or even pull linebackers away on rushing or play-action downs.

While Petzing doesn’t spread his receivers out often, it could be an aspect of his scheme that would help unlock the potential of all involved, or even bring more monstrous numbers to McBride’s resume.

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Arizona could re-sign Dortch, bring in an external option, or simply utilize the slot position more by giving Harrison and Wilson more looks there.

It might not be a point of emphasis, but it can only help expand Arizona’s playbook, and could get more quality looks for their stars, making life easier on Murray in the process as well.



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8 best menus to try during Arizona Spring Restaurant Week 2026

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8 best menus to try during Arizona Spring Restaurant Week 2026


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Restaurant Week is returning to Arizona, which means its time to try something new at some of the best locally-owned restaurants in the state for lower-than-usual prices.

Spring Restaurant Week lasts from May 15-24, and will return in the fall from September 18-27. During those weeks, three-course prix fixe menus are available at over 200 local restaurants for $33, $44 or $55.

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Reservations are not required at most establishments to enjoy the Restaurant Week menus, but they are highly encouraged.

With so many to choose from, we combed through the offerings to find the stand out deals. Many of the participating restaurants have appeared on The Arizona Republic’s list of 100 essential restaurants. Others have received numerous national awards and recognitions, including several James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalists.

Here are 8 of the best menus to try during Arizona Spring Restaurant Week 2026.

Beginner’s Luck

When Beginner’s Luck opened in Old Town Scottsdale in December 2023, The Republic’s Bahar Anooshahr fell in love with chef Bernie Kantak’s brunch. The restaurant later earned him a spot on the semifinalist list for Best Chef — Southwest for the James Beard Foundation Awards in 2025.

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Beginner’s Luck’s $55 Restaurant Week menu includes roasted corn and green chile chowder, pork belly, pan roasted Norwegian salmon, mole rojo short rib and blueberry bread pudding. Many options are gluten-free.

Details: 7240 E. Main St., Suite C100, Scottsdale. 480-571-0416, beginnersluckaz.com.

Cocina Chiwas

Multiple-time James Beard Award semifinalists and culinary power couple Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin opened Cocina Chiwas at Culdesac Tempe in 2023 as an upscale sister restaurant to their original Tacos Chiwas restaurants.

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Cocina Chiwas’ $44 Restaurant Week menu includes ceviche, ribeye tacos, mole and pastel de elote. For an additional $14, guests can try the Roxxstar cocktail made with vodka, Cocchi Rosa, watermelon, lemon juice, yuzu and orange bitters.

Details: 2001 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe. 480-916-3690, cocinachiwasaz.com.

Espiritu

Espiritu is a chef-driven Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar from the teams behind Bacanora and Tacos Chiwas. It was named one of the best new restaurants in the U.S. in 2022, the year it opened in downtown Mesa.

Espiritu’s $55 Restaurant Week menu includes birria dumplings, K4 flat iron steak, pan seared red drum filet, vegan potato tacos and chile chocolate truffle.

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Details: 123 Main St., Mesa. 480-272-6825, espiritumesa.com.

First & Last

First & Last is a contemporary neighborhood restaurant. Their sandwiches are Instagram-famous and got the stamp of approval from The Republic. The whole menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

First & Last’s $55 Restaurant Week menu includes roasted beet salad, Hiramasa crudo, bacon sourdough bolognese, grilled chicken piccata and pistachio tiramisu. The menu also includes recommended optional wine pairings for each course.

Details: 1001 N. Third Ave., Suite 1, Phoenix. 602-975-8297, firstandlastphx.com.

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Indibar

Indibar was named one of USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year in 2025 for its fine dining twist on traditional Indian cuisine. It was also a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in 2026.

Indibar’s $55 Restaurant Week menu includes avocado papdi chaat, paneer tikka, achari broccoli, crab curry with mango and dried chilies, veg korma and rasmali tres leches.

Details: 6208 N. Scottsdale Road, Paradise Valley. 480-219-9774, theindibar.com.

Latha

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Latha is a pan-African restaurant led by Evelia Davis and chef Digby Stridiron in downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square. The restaurant pulls inspiration from the entire Black diaspora, from Africa to the Caribbean to the American South.

Latha’s $55 Restaurant Week menu includes whipped goat cheese, Griot wings, dayboat moqueca, pineapple piri piri chicken, oxtail barbacoa and southern poundcake.

Details: 628 E. Adams St., Phoenix. 480-640-6183, lathaphx.com.

Tarbell’s

Tarbell’s is celebrity chef Mark Tarbell’s namesake restaurant and magnum opus. Described as a “neighborhood restaurant for the nation,” Tarbell’s has received numerous accolades since opening in 1994.

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Tarbell’s $55 Restaurant Week menu options include a shrimp ceviche tostada, endive salad with tomato caper vinaigrette, pan seared chicken, beef rillette, charred tomato risotto, chocolate cake or whipped lemon curd and berries.

Details: 3213 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-955-8100, tarbells.com.

Warren’s Supper Club

Larry Warren White and Rasheeda White, the owners of Monroe’s Hot Chicken, Lo Lo’s Chicken & Waffles and Brunch and Sip, opened Warren’s Supper Club in 2025. Larry “Lo-Lo” is the grandson of beloved Phoenix restaurateur Mrs. White, the owner of Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe. 

Warren’s Supper Club’s $55 Restaurant Week menu options include lobster deviled eggs, charbroiled oysters, apple and walnut salad, wild mushroom campanelle, baby back Korean sticky ribs, blackened salmon and a half smoked chicken.

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Details: 1040 N. 54th St., Chandler. 480-753-1040, warrenssupperclub.com.

Reach the reporter at eddie.fontanez@azcentral.com. Follow @ERFontanez on Instagram.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.





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Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #40: 5/11 @ Rangers

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Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #40: 5/11 @ Rangers


Any time we go to Globe Field, memories immediately go back to the 2023 World Series, when we faced the Texas Rangers in this ballpark. It’s interesting to note that neither team has made it back to the postseason since then. Indeed, at least the D-backs have come close: the Rangers failed to post a winning record in 2024 or 2025, missing out on the playoffs by eight and six games respectively. The two sides have similar records right now as well, with Texas’s 19-21 a mere half a game behind Arizona’s 19-20. However, in the mediocre AL West, that’s good enough for the Rangers to be in second, two games back of… the Athletics? Wait, what?

Yeah, the last time before this year the A’s had sole possession of first was June 19, 2021 – y’know, back when they were in a different city, and weren’t embarrassed to name it. But, then, the AL as a whole is strikingly mediocre, with only three teams above .500: the Yankees, Rays and A’s. It’s because just four teams have winning records in interleague play, and none of those are better than 5-4. Right now, the National League is 25 games above .500 in interleague play, at 315-290. Texas are 7-8, taking two of three from the Cubs, Phillies and Pirates, but losing to the Dodgers and getting swept by the Reds (y’know back when they didn’t suck).

Last time the Diamondbacks were here was in August last season, and we took two out of three. We lost the opening game on a walkoff, 7-6, but rebounded to take the next two contests, by margins of 3-2 and 6-4. Andrew Saalfrank got the save in the final game. How long ago that all seems. We’ll see if Michael Soroka can keep the sterling streak of starts going. He was certainly a hard-luck loser last time, allowing just the one run over 6.1 innings. But that was enough in a 1-0 loss. In his last three start, the D-backs have scored a total of two runs, so hopefully he gets a bit more support tonight.



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Where to watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 11

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Where to watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 11


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Baseball is back and finding what channel your favorite team is playing on has become a little bit more confusing since MLB announced plans to produce and distribute broadcasts for nearly a third of the league.

We’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know Monday as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Texas Rangers.

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See USA TODAY’s sortable MLB schedule to filter by team or division.

What time is Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers?

First pitch between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. (ET) on Monday, May 11.

How to watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers on Monday

All times Eastern and accurate as of Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:32 a.m.

Watch MLB all season long with Fubo

MLB regional blackout restrictions apply

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MLB scores, results

MLB scores for May 11 games are available on usatoday.com . Here’s how to access today’s results:

See scores, results for all of today’s games.



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