Four Arizona Cardinals cornerstones to get excited about

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Strong safety Budda Baker #32 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by wide receiver DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks after an interception during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 37-34 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Strong safety Budda Baker #32 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by wide receiver DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks after an interception during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 37-34 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 25: Safety Budda Baker #32 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with teammates after Baker returned a 90-yard interception to the Seattle Seahawks 8-yard line in the first quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 25: Safety Budda Baker #32 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with teammates after Baker returned a 90-yard interception to the Seattle Seahawks 8-yard line in the first quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Budda Baker

You can compare Baker’s play over the past two weeks to that of former Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu. The guy has put on a clinic since he and the Cards dismantled a downtrodden Dallas Cowboys team.

Among his most notable statistics, he has recorded two interceptions, a forced fumble, two quarterback hits, and a sack. Talk about a player who tackles like a linebacker with the coverage skills of a corner.

His efforts earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors following week six win over Dallas. He also earned NFC Defensive Player of the Month of October for his stellar play over the past two weeks.

In just his fourth season, it’s safe to say Baker will remain in the desert for years to come. Just two months ago, he signed a four-year extension to become the highest-paid safety in football. That said, Steve Keim and the Cardinals front office made it clear where Baker stands in the organization.

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