Defensive play slowly improving for Arizona Cardinals squad

The Arizona Cardinals’ defensive unit is slowly getting it’s act together after some horrendous early-season performances

The Arizona Cardinals’ defense finally seems to be getting it. Early on in 2018, coordinator Al Holcomb’s defenders were running around like chickens without a head. Now, eight games into the current campaign, the unit is taking steps in the right direction.

During an 18-15 victory over the San Francisco 49ers last week, just one egregious error was made on the defensive side of the ball. Ironically, it was the group’s best performer who was responsible for the blunder. Patrick Peterson, the club’s seven-time Pro Bowler, was beaten by wide receiver Marquise Goodwin for the 49ers’ only touchdown of the game.

Despite the slip up versus San Francisco, Peterson’s play has been stellar yet again this season. The 28-year old is currently the sixth-best cornerback in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. Peterson has racked up 35 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defensed and a sack so far in ’18.

Another Cards’ stud who has continued his excellent play this year is Chandler Jones. There was skepticism when it was announced that the sack specialist would be returning to the defensive end position. Jones has been dominant however, amassing six and a half sacks, 26 tackles, four passes breakups and four forced fumbles at the halfway point.

Safety Budda Baker, Arizona’s second-round draft pick in 2017, is a star in the making. The University of Washington product’s 72 tackles leads the team. Another productive member of the secondary, 34-year old Antoine Bethea, ranks second on the Cardinals in tackles with 67.

Josh Bynes, a free agent pickup in ’17, has been a pleasant surprise. The journeyman linebacker has assumed a leadership role in the desert, tallying 61 tackles and a sack. Another veteran, Corey Peters, has been a steady presence at defensive tackle, registering 21 tackles and two sacks.

After a slow start, Markus Golden appears to be completely recovered from the torn ACL he suffered a year ago. The defensive end was virtually unblockable last Sunday against the 49ers, accumulating seven solo tackles and a sack. Linebacker Haason Reddick is methodically justifying his first-round pick status, racking up 28 tackles, two sacks, and four passes defensed thus far.

Safety Tre Boston has missed two contests, but has amassed 40 tackles, three picks and seven pass breakups. Cornerback Bene Benwikere has tallied 33 tackles, an interception and three pass breakups since he replaced the dreadful Jamar Taylor in the starting lineup. Defensive end Benson Mayowa has been credited with 26 tackles, two sacks and two passes defensed.

The Cards’ defense appears to be on the right track. It’s a talented bunch, so a turnaround should not come as a huge surprise. The second half of ’18 will serve as a barometer for what aspects of the contingent will need to be addressed next offseason.