Arizona Cardinals: Reviewing the Defensive Line
By Scott Allen
Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) tackles Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals final 53-man roster includes seven defensive linemen, some new to the team and some old faces as well. Of course the biggest blow is the season-ending injury to Darnell Dockett. His presence at defensive tackle will be missed greatly. Here is who they do have though.
Calais Campbell, DE – Campbell will be the guy to look to for leadership. Campbell is a force on the end. He had 58 tackles and nine sacks in 2013.
Dan Williams, NT – Dan Williams needs to show now is his time. The Cards have been waiting for him to breakout. Only 23 tackles and 1 sack last season. He’s now going into his fifth season.
Frostee Rucker, DT – Rucker replaces Dockett. I believe he is more than able to fulfill the job.
Kareem Martin, DE – A rookie, Martin is going to be a force and more than just Campbell’s backup. People will hear his name called many times this season. He will be a great spell this season for Campbell as he gets his feet wet in the NFL.
Alameda Ta’amu, NT – Ta’amu is coming off a short preseason thank to his stint on the Physically Unable to Perform list. It may take him a few weeks to get fully back up to speed, so give him time.
Ed Stinson, DT – Stinson, a rookie from Alabama, quietly had a decent training camp. Again, the Cards have found themselves an able backup here. He’s just an injury away though from being a start in Dockett’s place.
Tommy Kelly, DE – Kelly, just acquired last week by the Cards from the New England Patriots, actually played pretty well for the Pats in their first couple of preseason games, so his release is interesting. Coach Bruce Arians said he played pretty well this past Thursday against the San Diego Chargers for a guy that just got here.