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Arizona Cardinals: First quarter grades

By Scott Allen

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-12. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-12. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 17: Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals returns an interception 15 yards against the Indianapolis Colts in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cardinals won 16-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 17: Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals returns an interception 15 yards against the Indianapolis Colts in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cardinals won 16-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Defense

If not for the defense, the Cardinals could be staring at 0-4 and not 2-2.  The defense came up big in both of their wins, which both came in overtime.

In week two, safety Tyrann Mathieu had a huge interception of Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett in overtime.  Then last Sunday the defense bent but didn’t break in the overtime period.  They held the 49ers to a field goal attempt and were able to get one more chance to win with a touchdown.

However the defense has been inconsistent.  Tackling at times has been suspect.  The cornerbacks have been hot and cold.  The defensive line is not getting enough pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Now, after four weeks, the Cardinals lost linebacker Markus Golden for the season because of a torn ACL.  He lead the team in sacks with 12.5 in 2016.

Overall though they’ve kept the Cardinals in games and that’s all we can ask for at this point. There are going to be a lot of ugly offensive days.  Enter the defense.  Mathieu still doesn’t look like his old self but appears to be getting there.

The key going forward will be Chandler Jones.  Will he now see more double teams with Golden out?  Maybe.  They need to create some sort of pass rush though.

Grade: B

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