Getting Defensive: Arizona Cardinals, Week 9
Coming fresh off a bye week and an embarrassing showing in London, The Arizona Cardinals’ defense is hoping they can redeem themselves and be the strength of the team once again
For the better part of the last 5 seasons, the Cardinals’ defensive unit has built a reputation as one of the best defenses in the NFL — and they had the numbers to show that. Through seven games this year, with a 3-4 record, the defense has become one of the worst in the NFL, ranked 24th overall in total yards allowed (352.7).
With key departures this off-season, and losing their sack leader (Markus Golden) to injured-reserve, the defense just hasn’t had the success we’ve grown accustomed to seeing over the last few years.
Myriad factors can be the blame. We can look at losing Calais Campbell, DJ Swearinger, Marcus Cooper and Kevin Minter to free agency as possibilities. Or the fact that former first-round pick Robert Nkemdiche is already being labeled as a bust. One can also look at the coordinator, James Bettcher, not having the right scheme for the current roster.
Which ever way your finger is pointing, things have not gone well this year. More recently, over the last 6 quarters of play, the Cardinals have given 66 points. They have given up a total of 191 points (27.3 per game), according to Pro-Football-Reference.com.
They are also averaging 246 yards per game (23rd) against the pass, and 105 yards per game (14th) against the run. A far cry from a year ago when they finished the season 2nd in total defense.
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Two things stand out like a sore thumb for me so far looking at the defense:
1) The inability to get off the field on third down is the biggest problem. The Cardinals rank 31st in the NFL in third-down defense (47.7%). The LA Rams alone converted 13-of-19 (68%) third-down attempts.
2) The aggressive scheme is no longer working. James Bettcher still loves to blitz, it’s no secret. This year, however, the ability to get to the quarterback just isn’t there. In 2016, the Cardinals led the NFL with 48 sacks. This year, through 7 games, they have a total of 13 — eight of which belong to Chandler Jones.
Keeping the Niners win-less
Facing a team who has yet to win a game can be a scary proposition in the NFL. You don’t want to run into any traps. With how things have gone so far this year, the Cardinals are looking to avoid being that team that gives the 49ers their first win.
One thing they won’t have to worry about this Sunday, is newly acquired quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has already said he’s sticking with rookie C.J. Beathard under center. Which is good news, as Garoppolo beat the Cardinals last year during the season opener and looked great in that game.
Who they will have to worry about, however, is 230-pound running back Carlos Hyde. The 27-year-old Ohio State product is an aggressive runner. He’s carried the ball 112 times for 453 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Cardinals have struggled against the run lately and the Niners will look to exploit that starting a rookie quarterback.
With Carson Palmer likely done for the season, the defense will need to carry this team moving forward if they want to avoid a second consecutive losing season under Bruce Arians. With some time away to make adjustments, Bettcher’s boys should have a great game versus the hapless Niners.
Struggle on the road facing a win-less team, however, and this defense will not only be looking for more answers, but possibly a new coordinator next year as well.