There will be a familiar face on the sidelines for the Arizona Cardinals’ next opponent, the Washington Commanders. Their offensive coordinator is Kliff Kingsbury, who was the Cardinals’ head coach from 2019-2022. It is his first time returning to State Farm Stadium since his dismissal (though he still is getting paid by the Cardinals through 2027).
While that has to mean something more for this game, he isn’t saying it.
When he spoke with Washington media on Friday, he said, “it’s been all work.”
It was all respect.
“I have a great appreciation for the place and the players,” he said. “You look at the film — Budda Baker, I’m still in awe of the way he plays the game, Jalen Thompson, all those guys.”
While some might point out how he didn’t mention Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, here is context — Kingsbury spends his time watching film of the Cardinals’ defense, not their offense.
“It’s exciting to get to play a bunch of guys you know and have a bunch of respect for, but other than that, it’s just been a short game week after Monday.”
That doesn’t mean that he doesn’t feel a little extra something.
After Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt referred to Kingsbury’s offense as “that college offense,” Washington put up 38 points on them.
While the Cardinals haven’t said anything disrespectful about Kingsbury, the Washington offense or anything, you can bet he has some extra motivation against them.
It will be fun to see what he has in store.
The Cardinals and Commanders kick off at 1:05 p.m. Arizona time.
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