Raising Zona
FanSided

Arizona Cardinals grades heading into December

By Scott Allen

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the bench during the first half of the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the bench during the first half of the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 20: Jordan Hicks #58 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates an interception during the first quarter of their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 20: Jordan Hicks #58 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates an interception during the first quarter of their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Defense

For the most part the defense has been a disappointment.  The secondary certainly leads that group, starting with cornerback Patrick Peterson.

Peterson returned from a 6-game suspension to start the season in October.  He had a nice game against the New York Giants and had an interception against the New Orleans Saints.

However since, Peterson has been a disappointment.  He looked like he had little care in the world against the San Francisco 49ers on Halloween.

The pleasant surprise has been linebacker Jordan Hicks.  Hicks, who got the team’s first interception of the season against the Giants, got his second last week against the 49ers.  He also had a sack.

After holding the 49ers to 2 total yards in the first quarter last Sunday, it turned ugly after that.  They allowed quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to throw for 424-yards and 4 touchdowns.  He torched the Cardinals for 8 touchdowns in 2 games.

The capper was the blitz that allowed the 49ers to come from behind to beat them in the final minute.  It’s been blunder after blunder.  This group needs to continue the rebuild into 2020 if they want to be a contender next year and beyond.  Grade: D

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