Five Good Things From the Arizona Cardinals 2016 Season
By Jeremy Meek
Tony Jefferson has become a terrific safety for the Cardinals
For much of the year, the Cardinals were one of the best defenses against the pass in the NFL. Despite a few bad games, they still wound up in the top half of the league in terms of pass rating given up, passing yards surrendered, and opponents passing touchdowns.
One of the emerging stars from the secondary was safety Tony Jefferson. Just glancing at his numbers (five passes defended, two forced fumbles, 92 tackles, no interceptions) doesn’t tell the whole story.
Though his stat sheet doesn’t jump out, his play on the field tells a different story. He has contributed in every way possible, making tackles behind the line of scrimmage, getting pressure as a blitzer, and making sure-handed tackles. He didn’t make the Pro Bowl, but there’s certainly a case to made that he should have.
Jefferson is a free agent at the end of this year, and one that will have plenty of suitors if the Cardinals let him get away. His play has been exemplary, and one of the highlights for the Cardinals in 2016. Fans hope he comes back to help this team rebound next season.