Raising Zona
FanSided

Arizona Cardinals just fine at safety despite defections

By Jim Koch

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Strong safety Tyvon Branch GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Strong safety Tyvon Branch #27 of the Arizona Cardinals links arms with staff and players during the National Anthem before the start of the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Strong safety Tyvon Branch GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Strong safety Tyvon Branch #27 of the Arizona Cardinals links arms with staff and players during the National Anthem before the start of the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals have done a tremendous job replacing free agent defectors Tony Jefferson and D.J.Swearinger at safety

It’s painfully obvious that the defense of the Arizona Cardinals has taken a step back this season. Coordinator James Bettcher’s group, despite fielding some highly-paid individuals, has underachieved. But through the muck, a couple of defensive backs are playing at a very high level.

With eight weeks of the 2017 season in the books, Tyvon Branch and Antoine Bethea may arguably be the best safety tandem in the NFL. The well-respected website, Pro Football Focus, lists both players in the top 10 of their latest safety rankings. An impressive feat, considering the fact that both Cardinals are in their 30’s.

Branch, ranked fourth at the position by PFF, leads Arizona in tackles with 59. The 30-year old joined the club a year ago, but proceeded to land on injured reserve not once, but twice, with a groin injury. Now healthy, the former Kansas City Chief and Oakland Raider is paying huge dividends.

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The 33-year old Bethea, besides providing valuable leadership, has also produced impressively on the playing field. PFF ranks him ninth among safeties, and he leads the Cards in interceptions with three. Out of 32 attempted tackles, Bethea has whiffed on just one.

While Branch and Bethea have excelled, the Cardinals’ highest-paid safety has not. Tyrann Mathieu is once again having a mediocre campaign. The “Honey Badger ” does have 33 tackles, a sack and a pick to his credit, but has still fallen well short of expectations.

In a defense that has disappointed up until this point, Branch and Bethea have undoubtedly been bright spots. The pair has more than held up their end of the Arizona secondary. And for much less money than they would have paid Jefferson and Swearinger to remain in the desert.

It’s not everyday in the world of professional football that things work out that well. In the world of free agency, you win some and you lose some. Score one for the Cards’ front office.

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