Arizona Cardinals: The impact of Chandler Jones
The Arizona Cardinals are fortunate to have a pass rusher like Chandler Jones, who is in his prime
Chandler Jones is a monster. We all know that. I’m just glad that he is dressed in red on Sundays. When Jones came to the Cardinals, he changed the defense and brought out the best in players like Markus Golden and Ex-Cardinal Calais Campbell. His presence opened up opportunities for other pass rushers to make their impact on a game, and get to the quarterback.
Jones came to the Cardinals in 2016 after having four great seasons in New England. While Jones was a Patriot he posted two double digit sack seasons, and two seasons where he posted six. In his first four years, he piled up 36 total sacks and was established as an elite pass rusher. When he was traded to the Cardinals in 2016, Arizona knew they had to find a way to keep him.
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Jones was signed to a five year, 82.5 million dollar contract, which was signed after the Cardinals placed the franchise tag on him. It showed he wanted to be in Arizona and they wanted him to be here.
In 2016, Jones was still the same after the trade, posting 11 sacks and forcing 4 fumbles. One of the things that doesn’t appear on a stat line that Jones brings to Arizona is the opportunity he opened for other players. Markus Golden had the best season of his career teaming up with Jones. Golden posted 12.5 sacks, 8.5 more than the previous year. It helped get ex-Cardinal Calais Campbell more chances at the quarterback, and have one of his best seasons.
Chandler Jones’s impact on the Cardinals goes farther than his ability to rush the passer. Young players coming in, and new players like recently acquired Jarvis Jones, all have a chance to learn from one of the best. Arizona is probably relieved more than ever that Jones wanted to return, and now the Cardinals get that impact for the next 5 years, and hopefully more.