Raising Zona
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Five Reasons the Arizona Cardinals Will Win Super Bowl LII

By Isaiah Addair

Oct 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) is tackled by the Arizona Cardinals defense in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) is tackled by the Arizona Cardinals defense in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The Pass Rush

The pass rush should continue to be effective for years with the contract extension for Chandler Jones. Jones, along with Markus “Junkyard Dog” Golden lead a pass rush that ranked first in the National Football League in sacks. With 2016 being Jones’ first in the desert, expect a bigger and more effective 2017 season for him as he becomes more comfortable in the system.

Jones tallied double digit sacks for the Cardinals as he and Golden became the first pass rush duo in decades that have both had 10+ sacks in a single season for the Cardinals. This pass rush could become even more intense if Nkemdiche is able to play to his potential and if Mathieu is finally healthy once again. Mathieu provides an effective blitz from the nickel corner spot that can be difficult for opposing teams to defend.

This merciless pass rush not only puts pressure on the opposing quarterback, but it also makes the secondary’s job easier. The faster the rushes break through the offensive line, the shorter the defensive backs have to cover their man, creating a chance for a splash play by the DB.

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