Through two games, it has exceeded those ambitions.
The Cardinals are ranked
No. 8 in Football Outsiders’ defensive efficiency following the 2-0 start and are allowing only 17.5 points per game, which is
the second-lowest figure in the NFL behind the Ravens.
The group has been dominant situationally, first in the league in both third-down (26.1 percent conversation rate) and red zone defense (28.6 percent touchdown rate).
As coach Kliff Kingsbury said after Sunday's 30-15 win over Washington, it's been a
“night and day” improvement from a season ago.