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Markus Golden ready to return to dominance

By Mark A. Hernandez

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 15: Outside linebacker Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals sacks quarterback Aaron Murray #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the pre-season NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 15, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Cardinals 34-19. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 15: Outside linebacker Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals sacks quarterback Aaron Murray #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the pre-season NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 15, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Cardinals 34-19. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Combating a torn ACL suffered early in the 2017 season, Arizona Cardinals defensive end Markus Golden is looking to come back even stronger in 2018.

When Markus Golden went down four games into the season last year, he was leading the team in sacks. He looked like he was on the verge of a breakout season. Unfortunately for him and Cardinal fans, that was cut short by a devastating injury.

Fast-forward to 2018 and Golden is now looking to come back in time for the start of the season. “I’m feeling way better than a couple months ago,” he said. “I don’t want to rush anything. Of course the goal is to be ready by the season and get a little work during [training] camp.”

Erring on the side of caution certainly is the right move for both Golden and the organization. You don’t want to hinder his ability to play long-term, especially a player of his caliber.

The 2015 second-round pick out of Mizzou would love to get back as soon as he can, I imagine. Him and fellow pass-rusher Chandler Jones make up one of the best sack tandems in the NFL. Jones led the NFL in sacks last year with 17.

Under a new coaching regime with Steve Wilks and new defensive coordinator, Al Holcomb, the Cardinals base defense will line up as 4-3. That means that when Golden is ready to return, he’ll be playing with his hand in the dirt, opposite Jones. A scary proposition for any opposing offense.

With both players no longer dropping back in coverage, that will allow them to focus on one thing now: disrupting the quarterback. A solid pass-rush combined with an aggressive secondary should keep this unit in the top-5 once again, even with a new scheme.

Barring any setbacks for Golden, that should be an accomplish-able feat, even in a highly-competitive NFC West. Chandler Jones can dominate on his own — but giving him a partner that can do just as much on the other side certainly alleviates some pressure for him.

Next: Arizona Cardinals receive unfavorable Madden '19 rating

He’s more than likely to start this year’s training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. After that, a Comeback Player of the Year Award will be in the works.

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