Defensive end Nordly “Cap” Capi is out to convince the Arizona Cardinals that he deserves to be a part of their organization
The Arizona Cardinals have apparently been given a mulligan. It’s not often that an NFL club’s front office gets an opportunity to rectify a mistake. Thanks to a player they acquired just over a week ago, it appears that the Cards may have corrected a blunder that they made last year.
This past August 2nd, Arizona was able to bring back a defender who many thought should’ve been a part of the 2017 squad. Defensive end Nordly “Cap” Capi has returned to the nest after signing a one-year, $550,000 contract. A free agent deal that could very well turn out to be one of the biggest bargains of the Cardinals’ current offseason.
Capi was hands down the defensive star of the team’s 24-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers this past Saturday night. The 6’3″, 249 pounder accounted for three quarterback sacks (one which resulted in a turnover) during the Cards’ preseason opener. Great news for a defense that is in need of a substitute for starter Markus Golden, who’s still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last October.
Capi’s excellent effort is a continuation of the success he enjoyed last summer. Arizona fans thought for sure that the former undrafted free agent of the Jacksonville Jaguars had done more than enough to remain a Cardinal a year ago. But to the surprise of many, Capi got the axe on the final cutdown day, and was added to the New York Giants’ practice squad just two days later.
The 26-year old’s return to the desert has been well-received. Capi became a cult hero of sorts during his first stint with the Cards, winning the hearts of the “Red Sea” with his nonstop motor and impressive production. The veteran’s superb showing versus the Chargers will do nothing to diminish the popularity that he has accrued while donning an Arizona uniform.
Capi appears to have a legitimate chance of being Golden’s replacement while he recovers. Of course, securing a place on the Cardinals’ 53-man roster is the first obstacle that he must overcome. Another performance like the one he turned in against Los Angeles, and that part of Capi’s mission will be a done deal.