Raising Zona
FanSided

Unheralded safety may be Arizona Cardinals’ best defender

By Jim Koch

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: DefensiGLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Defensive back Tyvon Branch #27 of the Arizona Cardinals in action against wide receiver Russell Shepard #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 40-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)ve back Tyvon Branch
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: DefensiGLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Defensive back Tyvon Branch #27 of the Arizona Cardinals in action against wide receiver Russell Shepard #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 40-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)ve back Tyvon Branch /
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A now-healthy Tyvon Branch has transformed into one of the most productive performers on the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive unit

A couple of names quickly come to mind when you think about the Arizona Cardinals’ secondary. Cornerback Patrick Peterson, a six-time Pro Bowler, is certainly one of them. Tyrann Mathieu, the “Honey Badger”, has a Pro Bowl under his belt and a great nickname to boot.

Tyvon Branch, a Cards’ starting safety, has neither a catchy nickname nor a Pro Bowl appearance to speak of. Nevertheless, the former fourth-round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders is currently playing at a high level. After two games, Branch leads the squad with a very impressive 18 tackles, and has also added three pass-breakups.

A big reason for his early success has been good health. A groin injury cost the versatile defensive back 10 games last season, his first year with the Cardinals. If he can remain upright for the next few months, Branch has the potential to put up big numbers for coordinator James Bettcher’s unit.

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The former Raider, and then Kansas City Chief, suffered his first major injury as a pro back in 2008, his rookie campaign. A damaged shoulder cost the 6’0″, 204 pounder half of that season. Branch avoided any more serious setbacks until the 2013-14 campaigns, when he played in just five out of a possible 32 games.

Branch signed a two-year deal with Arizona during last year’s offseason, and was contributing nicely until suffering the groin injury in October. The club valued the now-30 year old enough to designate him for return after placing him on injured reserve. The veteran returned in early December, but re-injured the groin two weeks later.

Despite the starpower in the defensive backfield of the Cards, it’s Branch who’s making people take notice. He leads by example, both on the field and in the locker room. Injuries aside, the Cardinals and their fans couldn’t have asked for more.

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