Defensive line can become Arizona Cardinals strength in 2021
By Jim Koch
For the past several years, the defensive line of the Arizona Cardinals has been mediocre at best. The free agent departure of Calais Campbell back in 2017 took the star-power out of the group. Arizona has badly missed the six-time Pro Bowler, who’s presence alone made the front wall of the Cards defense a viable force.
Back on March 1st, Arizona acquired J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Suddenly, that faction of coordinator Vance Joseph’s unit is looking a lot more formidable. If the pieces surrounding the sensational Watt reach their potential, opposing offenses could have a rough time of it when they face the Cardinals this coming fall.
In March of 2020, the Cards front office handed defensive end Jordan Phillips a three-year, $30 million contract. The former Buffalo Bills standout was a huge disappointment last season, totaling just 11 tackles and two sacks in nine starts for the Redbirds. The team is hoping that the Phillips who registered 31 tackles, 9.5 sacks and 16 hits two years ago can resurface in 2021.
One Arizona defender who did make impressive strides last year was Zach Allen, a third-round draft pick of the franchise back in ’19. In 13 appearances (seven starts) last season, the 6’4, 281 pounder was credited with 35 tackles, two sacks and three passes defensed. The Cardinals are hoping that Allen will improve even more, given the fact that Watt will be around to mentor him for the next couple of campaigns.
Nose tackle Leki Fotu is another young lineman who can benefit greatly from Watt being around. The first of the Cards two fourth-round selections in ’20 should have an expanded role this season with veteran Corey Peters no longer around. Fotu recorded 11 tackles and a sack in his role as a backup last fall.
The second of Arizona’s two fourth-round choices last year was LSU defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence. In limited action last season, the 6’2, 308 pounder racked up nine tackles for the squad. Like Allen and Fotu, Lawrence should also be able to use playing along side Watt to his advantage.
Any success that a defensive unit can achieve starts up front. Things are certainly looking up in the desert. Acquiring an individual like Watt can make all of the difference in the world.