Arizona Cardinals roster build is well-suited for Vance Joseph’s defense
By Jonah Hovis
Vance Joseph will be the next Defense Coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals and the players on that defense fit similarly to the one he ran in Denver.
Vance Joseph has a lot of experience coaching big name defensive players and coaching in the 3-4 scheme which will be put into play this year in Arizona. With guys like Chandler Jones and Patrick Peterson, Joseph can replicate what he had in the Mile High city with Von Miller and Chris Harris in the no-fly zone with the Cardinals. An impactful pass rush that also is covered with a great secondary, as he had in Denver, can be done this year to help a young and upcoming team like the Arizona Cardinals.
Starting with what Joseph has in the pass rush with Chandler Jones can make any defensive coordinator look good with his ability to get to the quarterback. Not only Jones but guys like newly added Terrell Suggs and inside guys coming off blitzes like Haason Reddick can great pressure for the Cardinals up front. Joseph has a lot more pieces to go along with those guys to help bring the heat to opposing passers this season.
Along with the pass rush, Joseph has a very well established secondary that will be a factor in his defense. Even though Patrick Peterson will be serving a six-game suspension this year he still has Robert Alford who is coming off an injury and is hungry for them field. Also with two great playmaking safeties in D.J. Swearinger and Budda Baker to make plays in open field.
Something Joseph didn’t have with the Broncos that he has now in Arizona is two inside linebackers who will help control the tempo and call plays, to go along with the great talents they possess. Guys like Haason Reddick who is a young, promising player that can do a lot of things in the middle of the field in the 3-4 scheme. To go alongside Super Bowl winning linebacker Jordan Hicks who will bring a winners mentality.
Joseph has all the key pieces he needs to be a successful defensive coordinator for the Cardinals and not as much responsibility as he had in Denver. Now not having to deal with all the drama and tension that comes with being a head coach Joseph can focusing on getting the Cardinals offense back on the field and improving an already solid Cardinals defense.
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With all the attention on the new young head coach and the production of the first overall pick in Kyler Murray, Joesph can do what he needs to do in the shadows of the media attention and spotlight. He can focus on what got him into the league, which is his defensive minds and has great pieces to be a productive defense in Arizona this year.