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Five things the Arizona Cardinals must change to reach playoffs

By Aarron Van Buren

Jan 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake (41) reacts in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 18-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake (41) reacts in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 18-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) has the pass deflected by Arizona Cardinals safety Chris Banjo (31) and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (33) during the fourth quarter Dec. 20, 2020.Eagles Vs Cardinals
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) has the pass deflected by Arizona Cardinals safety Chris Banjo (31) and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (33) during the fourth quarter Dec. 20, 2020.Eagles Vs Cardinals /

Despite being in the top 10 of the NFL in DPYA (defensive pass yards allowed), the members of the secondary are one of the five things the Arizona Cardinals must change. This is a case where numbers do lie. Patrick Peterson most likely played his last game as a member of the Cardinals, and is open to free agency by the looks of it.

While Vance Joseph greatly improved the defense throughout the year, giving up multiple 3rd and 20’s to the Eagles was cringeworthy. Other game plan mistakes sure hurt, but Dre Kirkpatrick’s “Javon Wims” impression cannot be forgotten.  Byron Murphy will assume the #1 role next year and whoever fills in on the opposite side will remain interesting to watch.

Budda Baker earned another pro bowl nod, with his best games coming against Dallas and Seattle. The other safety position was a rotation of too many unproven guys, Deiontae Johnson and more. Steve Keim  should also be address in this in the offseason. Injuries hit this position group hard, and that definitely put them on a slippery slope.

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