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Getting Defensive: Arizona Cardinals, Week 3

By Mark A. Hernandez

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 17: Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with Antoine Bethea #41 and Haason Reddick #43 after a sack against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 17: Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with Antoine Bethea #41 and Haason Reddick #43 after a sack against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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With two game in the books, the Cardinals’ defense is turning into a cohesive unit, ready for a prime time

It’s been a sluggish start for the Cardinals on defense, but things came together after they stole a win in Indianapolis. When it mattered, the defense made its stops and Tyrann Mathieu came away with the play of the game in overtime.

The Cardinals avoided a 0-2 record to start the season — and all is well in the desert.

Facing a Colts team with no Andrew Luck, the Cardinals found themselves with dealing with Jacoby Brissett. He finished the day 20-of-37 for 216 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT and a passer rating of 60.2. Brissett was also sacked 4 times — two of which courtesy of Chandler Jones.

I’d say James Bettcher had a much better game plan this time around. The Cardinals were fast, reactive and made the plays they needed to escape with a win.

A great sign after a poor showing in Detroit.

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Cardinals’ defense face first real test against Dallas Cowboys

After two road games to open the season, the Cardinals will finally have their home opener. Unfortunately, it will be against an old NFC East rival, the Dallas Cowboys. This will be a great test for the defense as they will face arguably the best offensive line in the NFL.

Optimism is looming, however, after the Cowboys struggled to move the ball against the Broncos and Ezekiel Elliott seemed to have given up after being shut down the entire game.

Through 2 games, Dallas is averaging 245 yards per game (18th) and 84 yards rushing (19th), respectively.

With a slow start to the season, the Cardinals have allowed 237 yards per game (22nd); 79 yards rushing (10th).

A stout offensive line with Dallas creates problems for an aggressive defense. But as Denver proved, the line can be exploited. Look for James Bettcher to create pressures from all sides of the field to confuse the young Dak Prescott.

Pass this test, and the Cardinals will go into October with a winning record. Lose, and more answers will need to be answered

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