Arizona Cardinals: 5 who need improvement now

By Scott Allen | Sep 13, 2016

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (right) is pursued by Arizona Cardinals safety D.J. Swearinger in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (26) warms up before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Williams

Like it or not, rookie or not, Williams needs to get better now. The Cardinals would love for him to be able to take his time and learn the ropes as an NFL cornerback.

With injury to Justin Bethel and little depth at cornerback, it is trial by fire for the third-round pick out of Texas. Williams is needed now. There’s isn’t time to have a learning curve.

Fair or not, Williams has to do some cramming. We don’t know when or even if Bethel will be able to play much this season with his sore foot. There was a reason why coach Bruce Arians anointed Williams the starter in the preseason.

That reason wasn’t because he was ready. It was because he had to be ready. They had no choice. Maybe Marcus Cooper can push him in a few weeks. Cooper just got here though via trade.

Next: Be snappy about change

Williams has had his playbook since May. His time is now, whether fans want to admit it or not. He needs a better performance against the Bucs on Sunday.

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