It Might Just Be Too Late for Arizona Cardinals and the Cornerback Spot
By Jeremy Meek
The Arizona Cardinals have shown a recent interest in fixing the cornerback position, but it might be too late
Patrick Peterson is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. The former number five overall draft pick is a shutdown corner and one of the league’s best athletes. The Arizona Cardinals hit a homerun when the added him to the team. However, they haven’t been able to duplicate that luck on the other side of the field.
In today’s NFL, where the passing game is more important than it has ever been, the secondary is a huge part of any defense. A team without a good defensive backfield will have a hard time achieving any measure of success.
This offseason saw the departure of last year’s starter at the number two cornerback spot, Marcus Cooper. Cooper was solid, if unspectacular, in his season in Arizona. With him gone, there was a hole in the secondary.
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Many thought the team might address it in free agency, but they didn’t. Predictions abounded that they’d draft a cornerback too, but once again, they didn’t.
Now, they may finally be looking to shore up the spot. They are bringing in Brandon Flowers for a look after the veteran had a physical earlier in the week. The 31-year old spent the last three seasons in San Diego and missed most of last season with a concussion. He has also struggled in previous seasons, but could still have a good year or two left.
Tramon Williams is also being considered by the Cardinals. He’s meeting with the team as well. The long-time Green Bay Packers cornerback spend the last few seasons with the Browns, and is 34-years old.
The likeliest scenario is probably that Justin Bethel winds up starting at the number two corner spot. The special teams standout has been praised by coaches this offseason, and knows the system well.
With just over a month remaining before meaningful games, that spot opposite Patrick Peterson remains a mystery. The Cardinals could continue searching all the way up until the season starts. After all, Cooper was acquired in September of last year.
A lot hinges on this decision. Cardinals management might have waited too long to address the spot, and it could be the biggest weakness on the team, which hopes to return to prominence. They need whoever starts to be effective. It’s a passing league, and they can’t afford weakness there.