Oct 28, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Todd Bowles along the sidelines prior to playing the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. The Falcons defeated the Eagles 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
There is only one way to answer this question, as the saying goes “the numbers don’t lie” but numbers don’t tell the full story.
As the talent on defense will be the main determining factor going into the 2013 season, as we have seen the Cardinals add more youth and a few veterans.
Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles will head up the Cardinals defense this season, but he was the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2012 season. Ray Horton was the defensive coordinator for the cardinals in 2012 and the defense was the only bright spot of a season that went south real quick after Week 4.
Comparing these two defenses tell a compelling story, the Dolphins defense under Bowles ranked 27th in passing yards allowed, and 13th in rushing allowed.
The Cardinals ranked fifth in passing yards allowed and 28th in rushing allowed.
Judging by these numbers, Bowles’ defense was much better in stopping the run causing more fumbles at 15, as Ray Horton’s defense was better in the secondary against the pass with 22 interceptions.
The concept of getting pressure to the quarterback is the key to a defense being successful, in the Bowles defense, pressure will come from up front, as the Dolphins defense caused 42 sacks mainly from their front line. Ray Horton’s defensive pressure came primarily from the line backers and outside corners which caused 38 sacks.
The deference in the two defenses is Patrick Peterson. Peterson was a dynamic cover man last year, and Bowles’ defense did not have this luxury. Adding this element to his pressure scheme up front with Darnell Dockett, Calais Campbell and Dan Williams the defense should cause more turnovers in the secondary and an overall better defense against both run and pass.
Therefore because of talent and scheme, Todd Bowles should be successful as the defensive coordinator in 2013.