Arizona Cardinals could use linebacker’s tackling ability

Linebacker Deone Bucannon has been one of the Arizona Cardinals most productive tacklers since he entered the NFL in 2014

One thing in particular has stood out about the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive unit this season. Some incredibly poor tackling has contributed heavily to what’s been an atrocious run defense. Despite the ineptitude, one of the Cards’ most productive tacklers of the past four years has remained on the bench.

Deone Bucannon, Arizona’s first-round draft pick in 2014, is apparently not a fit for head coach Steve Wilks’ newly-implemented 4-3 alignment. Its mind-boggling that coordinator Al Holcomb can’t make use of a 26-year old who has already amassed 382 tackles as a pro. Would the Cardinals get gashed on the ground any more than they already have if the linebacker was afforded some playing time?

The answer to that question is a resounding no. In fact, Bucannon would most likely greatly improve a group that has been run over by just about every ball-carrier they have faced in 2018. Despite all of this, Wilks has continued to blackball the 6’1, 220 pounder, steadfastly refusing to insert him into the lineup.

It’s not as if Bucannon hasn’t produced during his NFL career. As a rookie in ’14, the Washington State University product tallied 83 tackles while starting nine contests. Bucannon followed that performance up with his best professional campaign in 2015, tallying 112 tackles, three sacks, three pass breakups and an interception.

The success continued in 2016, when Bucannon racked up 91 tackles over 13 starts. In 2017, he was credited with 82 stops, while starting 12 games. The former safety has been thoroughly underutilized in 2018, registering just 14 tackles in a severely diminished role.

Bucannon has also been the subject of trade rumors for weeks. Dealing away such a talented player because he doesn’t fit a defense that isn’t working anyway would be a mistake. A better idea would be to scrap the 4-3 alignment, and go with a system that better suits the defenders that are currently on your roster.

Bucannon has been a solid contributor for the Cards since they selected him 27th-overall four years ago. It’s amazing that someone with his tackling prowess can’t get on the field. Unfortunately, Wilks has prevented that from happening.