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Getting Defensive: Arizona Cardinals, Week 2

By Mark A. Hernandez

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Kenny Golladay #19 of the Detroit Lions scores a touch down in the second half against Justin Bethel #28 of the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Kenny Golladay #19 of the Detroit Lions scores a touch down in the second half against Justin Bethel #28 of the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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After blowing a 17-9 lead in Detroit, the Cardinals’ defense looks to bounce back from a poor showing

Things couldn’t have started off any better for the Cardinals on defense after Justin Bethel ran away with an interception and returned it for a TD. After that, however, things seemed to slowly go downhill for James Bettcher’s unit.

At the end of the day, the defense gave up 367 total yards (285 passing; 82 rushing). They also allowed nineteen (19) 1st downs, allowing the Lions to keep drives extended, especially on 3rd down. With essentially playing zone coverage the entire game, Matthew Stafford took advantage.

With what usually is a blitz-happy team, the Cardinals only blitzed on 15.5% of pass plays, according to Pro Football Focus. Very uncharacteristic for an aggressive defense.

The conservative game plan allowed Matthew Stafford to have a great game, resulting in yet another comeback win for his Lions. He finished the day completing 29-of-41 passes for 292 yards, while adding 4 TDs.

Haason Reddick making strides

There was a silver lining in the loss on Sunday, however, and that was the play of rookie linebacker Haason Reddick. Reddick recorded six tackles and two assists. At times, looking like he knew exactly what was coming towards him on the play. Pro Football Focus gave him a grade of 80.9 for his efforts. Not bad for a rookie playing in his first regular season game.

Preparing for the Andrew Luck-less Colts

As already reported, the Colts will be without franchise QB Andrew Luck. Showing a bit of gamesmanship, Colts’ head coach Chuck Pagano has not named a starter for Sunday. It will be either Scott Tolzien or Jacoby Brissett.

Whomever the starter, I would hope James Bettcher’s game plan is much more aggressive than what he took with him to Ford Field.

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Robert Nkemdiche is expected back and should clean up the middle of the defense, allowing the linebackers a free pass at the QB.

After one game, the defense did little to impress — but it’s better to get those bad games out of the way early. A dominating performance against a team without their starting QB should be the only result this Sunday.

With superstar David Johnson out for now, the defense will need to carry this team moving forward — and it starts this weekend against the Colts.

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