Veteran’s presence is a plus for Arizona Cardinals defense
By Jim Koch
This past Sunday’s performance from Terrell Suggs is proof that the Arizona Cardinals made the right move by acquiring him
Back in March, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Terrell Suggs had a tough decision to make. After 16 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, the free agent was seriously considering a move to the desert. Suggs, who had played both his high school and college ball in Arizona, had been offered an opportunity to come home.
After a great deal of soul-searching, the former Arizona State Sun Devil elected to join the Cardinals. Suggs signed a one-year contract that is reportedly worth $7 million. Based off of his performance this past Sunday against the Detroit Lions, the Cards may have acquired one of the biggest bargains of the offseason.
In his first action with his new club, Suggs recorded six tackles and two quarterback sacks during Arizona’s season-opener. Lining up across from fellow sack artist Chandler Jones could turn out to be a very good gig for the 36-year old. Having to deal with two outstanding pass-rushers has nightmare written all over it for any offensive coordinators who’ll be facing the Cardinals defense in 2019.
Suggs first showed the type of impact he could have for the Cards this year during Detroit’s first possession of the second half. The 6’3, 265 pounder found his way to Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford for a sack, forcing a seven-yard loss. Suggs also managed to strip the ball loose, but Detroit center Frank Ragnow alertly recovered the fumble at his team’s 22-yard line.
Late in the overtime period of the 27-27 tie, Suggs struck again. With 30 seconds left to play, the seven-time Pro Bowler brought Stafford down for a second time. The play moved the Detroit offense back to their own 15-yard line, effectively putting an end to the Lions final offensive threat of the afternoon.
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An emotional homecoming is on tap for Suggs this coming weekend when the Cardinals travel east to face Baltimore. The veteran openly admits that the matchup with the Ravens is much more than just another game on the schedule. One thing’s for sure, the Cards are extemely happy that the still-productive Suggs will be on their side of the ball when he faces his former teammates this Sunday.