Assessing the Arizona Cardinals defense
With three preseason games behind us lets take a look at the Arizona Cardinals defense
Although we’ve seen limited action out the starters, I see a high ceiling for the Arizona Cardinals defense. Tyrann Mathieu looks like the “Honey Badger”, Robert Nkemdiche looks like he’s taken a step forward.
Justin Bethel has comfortably stepped into the starting role opposite Patrick Peterson. After losing key starters to free agency I have seen no set back on D due to the rise of the aforementioned players.
Yes, I understand our rush defense has struggled, but this is the preseason. I refuse to judge this team on preseason stats when the film shows promise.
Robert Nkemdiche has a serious bull rush. Almost every snap pre-injury Nkemdiche was in the back field creating pressure. He also was drawing many double teams, a good sign for the rest of our pass rush. Which brings me to my next point.
Either Chandler Jones or Markus Golden will own the sack title this year. With both players posting double digit sack numbers last year and Chandler Jones dropping weight to fill his new role with the Arizona Cardinals the odds of this happening are very good. Not only that, but with a pro bowl corner, and one of the most versatile athletes in the NFL ball hawking the outfield (Tyrann Mathieu) our pass rush should have no problem sacking opposing quarterbacks.
More from Raising Zona
- Who should win the Arizona Cardinals head coaching job?
- Arizona Cardinals could wind up playing against Kliff in 2023
- Arizona Cardinals: Reliving Don Coryell’s Hall of Fame Career
- Lou Anarumo could bring familiar assistant to Arizona Cardinals
- Caesars Super Bowl Promo Cashes Up to $1,250
Now, lets talk the rest of the defense. Arizona drafted two studs on defense in the NFL draft, in Hassan Redick and Budda Baker. Both have shown signs of over pursuing, missing tackles, and overall rookie mistakes but there is plenty of time to correct those mistakes.
Expect a good game from both rookies in week 4 against a Denver squad that doesn’t have much depth. Karlos Dansby, Antoine Bethea, and Tramon Williams all add veteran instincts which is never a bad thing.
They are also extremely athletic. The rest of the D-line is pretty much make shift. I’ve always liked Frostee Rucker though, he’s great at defending the run and spends a lot of time near the quarterback. Justin Bethel, and Brandon Williams add good depth to the secondary as well.
With plenty of talent and a great coaching staff this is a championship caliber defense. I cant wait to see this squad on Sundays and I hope your just as excited. Go Cardinals!