Defense 2011

[Duckjake]

As pointed out in another thread the Cards have only 2 new starters from last season. A season that was poor even by Arizona Cardinals defensive standards.

We have a solid Defensive line. Dockett, DWilliams, Campbell backed up by the promising rookie Carter and wily veterans Eason and Holliday, did anyone else enjoy watching old man Holliday school the young Broncos offensive linemen? I hope he's passing some of those tricks on to Big Dan and Carter.

We are suspect at best at LB. BUT...we have two young men who have the potential to be very good. I know Acho isn't as quick as we'd like but he looks to be a perfect player for the LOLB spot where being stout against the run is more important. Schohawk, well the kid can motor to the QB when lined up in the proper position (note to Horton, Haggans and Acho and Porter and Schofield are NOT 4-3 Defensive Ends!). Still have to wait and see how he does against the run and in coverage.

Question #1 is going to be how long before we give up on the aging Steeler LB experiment and go with the young guns? Question #2 is going to be if we don't make the switch how are the old men going to hold up? I think this will be CKW's Achilles heel for 2011. Sticking with guys who need to be in the Broadcast booth a year too long.

Lenon,Bradley and Washington should be fine inside now that the Cards actually have a 3-4 NT. Run Defense should be solid as long as no opposing first team RBs get hurt and can't play against us.

Secondary? This is a real hole in the defense. A rookie and a rookie and a half starting at CB. Has any team ever done this? Don't sit up high where you can see the whole field.

Prediction: These guys are going to kick azz in 2012.

 

[MrYeahBut]

It's probably a given that Wilson will blitz alot from the strong side. Is your boy Acho able to drop back into coverage on the weak side or cover a tight end? I really have no idea of his pass defense skills.

 

[Catfish]

While I don't have the same faith as you do Jake, I do believe that we will have a defense that gets us off the field more often than not. I am just not ready to say we have a KA defense like you predict. I hope you are right about that, because if you are, we may go deep into the playoffs. Without a legitimate outside pass rush, I feel that our defense will be only adequate, even if Horton is able to produce some schemes. That might be enough for us to win our division though.

 

[Snakester]

I am happy with our starting DL and with backups Carter and Holliday. At linebacker I like what we have inside this year with Washington, Bradley and Lenon. Outside though the front office has laid an egg every year for the last five years. The cornerbacks are going to have a huge learning curve this year. I think we will be okay at safety. Wilson still can't cover anyone deep, but hopefully Horton will not try to use him that way and will keep him mostly in the box.

Our defense will improve for no other reason than the offense will be better and will keep them off the field more. With the offense scoring the defense is less likely to lay down and play dead like they did last year.

 

[Duckjake]

It's probably a given that Wilson will blitz alot from the strong side. Is your boy Acho able to drop back into coverage on the weak side or cover a tight end? I really have no idea of his pass defense skills.

I don't really know. He never did it much at Texas. But then Haggans doesn't play much pass defense that I've seen so I'm not too concerned about that.

I don't think Wilson blitzes as much as many people think this year. I'm looking for the Corners coming off the edge instead. Like we saw from Marshay Green in pre season. Hey Cam, look out for Money Mike!

 

[Chopper0080]

I wouldn't be shocked to see Peterson in the slot which would allow Horton to use him like Green Bay uses Woodson.

I think that our pass rush will have to be manufactured, but I think that it will be a far more complex blitz scheme than what we have seen from Bill Davis or Clancy Pendergast.

Look for more pressure on Qb's throughout the course of games which will lead to more picks from our secondary. I don't think that we have the edge rusher to turn out a 10+ sack season, but I think we see several 6-8 sack guys (Dockett, Campbell, Schofield, Washington, maybe Bradley, maybe Peterson).

I guess my hope for our defense follows my hope for the offense. On offense, and solid QB can mask a bunch of issues. Similar to defense where a solid d coordinator and scheme can also mask a bunch of issues.

 

[Garthshort]

Acho wouldn't be covering on the weak side, since he plays on the strong side. Team would probably look to Schofield, from the outside, amd Washington, from the inside, to cover the TE. JMO.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Why is it that the Ravens who had 27 sacks last season, six less than the Cards are a top 10 "D" and the Cards are not?

No doubt, the better informed can dissect this question, but two things strike me: 1. Their run defence and (2) limiting run after catch.

Until proven wrong, I'm inclined to believe that Bradley, Holiday, Eason and Acho will improve the Cards run "D" and the Horton "Pitt" scheme calls for keeping the play up front and solid tacking limiting gains. From what I've seen, PP21, Jefferson and Marshall are aggressive, no shying away, tacklers.

If this plays itself out as hoped, there's reason to believe that this "D" will be an improvement over last seasons.

We might want to keep in mind, that our "D" was on the field for close to 5 minutes longer per game last season. We were 10-6 and a playoff victory in '09 when time of possession was almost equal.

Kolb is not Warner at this point - but, he's almost certainly superior to D-O-A.

So, arguably, this attention to the run "D" this off-season (and the additions on "O") could make this a respectable unit.

 

[JeffGollin]

An oft' overlooked aspect of last year's Cardinal defense was...

The inability of our offense to control the ball better and keep the defense off the field.

One thing to consider when rapping the defense for not having enough changes in personnel:

Youngsters who may not have played as well as needed a year ago, but who figure to develop into impact players (i.e. Schofield, DWash and Jefferson. And, for that matter, Campbell. And you could add Dan Williams, but I'll reserve judgment on him for now).

Also - If you consider Bradley to be a new quasi-starter, we open the season with three new starters in Jefferson, Peterson and Bradley. In fact, make that four new starters because our NT will either be Williams (who didn't start most of the time last year), Carter or Eason.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Why is it that the Ravens who had 27 sacks last season, six less than the Cards are a top 10 "D" and the Cards are not?

No doubt, the better informed can dissect this question, but two things strike me: 1. Their run defence and (2) limiting run after catch.

Until proven wrong, I'm inclined to believe that Bradley, Holiday, Eason and Acho will improve the Cards run "D" and the Horton "Pitt" scheme calls for keeping the play up front and solid tacking limiting gains. From what I've seen, PP21, Jefferson and Marshall are aggressive, no shying away, tacklers.

If this plays itself out as hoped, there's reason to believe that this "D" will be an improvement over last seasons.

We might want to keep in mind, that our "D" was on the field for close to 5 minutes longer per game last season. We were 10-6 and a playoff victory in '09 when time of possession was almost equal.

Kolb is not Warner at this point - but, he's almost certainly superior to D-O-A.

So, arguably, this attention to the run "D" this off-season (and the additions on "O") could make this a respectable unit.

I definitely agree.

While Jefferson and Peterson will likely struggle this year, the entire defense was upgraded this offseason.

The defensive line is deeper, able to bring in a whole new d line if need be with not too little drop off. The LB corps is not only improved by having more experience (DWash and Schofield) but also is deeper (Bradley) and can throw more looks at teams.

While losing DRC and Toler hurts, Jefferson has shown some good traits in the preseason and Peterson looks like he'll be a true star at the position soon. Peterson is going to be an improvement over DRC since he won't be the tackling liability that DRC was, and I think he's a more dedicated player than DRC was. Quite a few people on this board have forgotten how mad A Dub was at DRC his first two years in the league for his lack of attention to detail and his nonchalant attitude. Peterson is going to be a true leader on the defense, which can't be underrated.

I'm a bit concerned with the safety depth because of A Dub's injury, but I think Rashad Johnson is going to prove some of the naysayers wrong this season. Nick Saban stated that Johnson was the most intelligent defender he's ever coached, and he put in a lot of work this offseason. While he had one bad play against Oakland, he was solid the rest of the preseason.

This defense will struggle at times, but I also think your going to get some big plays from Peterson, Jefferson, Bradley, and Carter. Schofield will have his moments too, but I think he still has an adjustment period coming off the knee injury.

I haven't felt this good about a Cardinals team since the end of the 2008 season. Now it's show me time; this team is good enough to win the NFC West and win a playoff game or two.

 

[gmabel830]

<Insert random inflammatory statement about the defense in order to start an argument right about here>

 

[RugbyMuffin]

<Insert random inflammatory statement about the defense in order to start an argument right about here>

David Carter is going to be starting by year's end.

Does that fill the void ?

I think our secondary will be torched, and it will be 1/2 the pass ruch, and 1/2 the secondary that allows it to happen.

The silver lining is that the Cardinals are playing the numbers game. One of these CB is going to show enough to be an NFL starter, one of these OLB'er are going to show enough to be an NFL starter, and the hole Wilson will present at safety will bring more attention to that situation.

It is a re-building year, but the most frustrating thing about re-building years is when you get all your brick, and find out none of them are any good.

Three guys that have the right attitude are AJ Jefferson, David Carter, and Sam Acho. If their skills match their attitudes then that is something to build on right there.

 

[Cheesebeef]

love our D-line, Peterson's potential and Rhodes solid play at Safety. sadly, i think we have outrageously glaring holes at pretty much every other position on the D and that will spell doom for us in the long run.

 

[Cheesebeef]

<Insert random inflammatory statement about the defense in order to start an argument right about here>

inserting random inflammatory sarcasm in order to start an argument where there otherwise isn't one would probably work just as well. let's see if the above works...

 

[kerouac9]

I definitely agree.

While Jefferson and Peterson will likely struggle this year, the entire defense was upgraded this offseason.

The defensive line is deeper, able to bring in a whole new d line if need be with not too little drop off. The LB corps is not only improved by having more experience (DWash and Schofield) but also is deeper (Bradley) and can throw more looks at teams.

While losing DRC and Toler hurts, Jefferson has shown some good traits in the preseason and Peterson looks like he'll be a true star at the position soon. Peterson is going to be an improvement over DRC since he won't be the tackling liability that DRC was, and I think he's a more dedicated player than DRC was. Quite a few people on this board have forgotten how mad A Dub was at DRC his first two years in the league for his lack of attention to detail and his nonchalant attitude. Peterson is going to be a true leader on the defense, which can't be underrated.

I'm a bit concerned with the safety depth because of A Dub's injury, but I think Rashad Johnson is going to prove some of the naysayers wrong this season. Nick Saban stated that Johnson was the most intelligent defender he's ever coached, and he put in a lot of work this offseason. While he had one bad play against Oakland, he was solid the rest of the preseason.

This defense will struggle at times, but I also think your going to get some big plays from Peterson, Jefferson, Bradley, and Carter. Schofield will have his moments too, but I think he still has an adjustment period coming off the knee injury.

I haven't felt this good about a Cardinals team since the end of the 2008 season. Now it's show me time; this team is good enough to win the NFC West and win a playoff game or two.

Are Holliday, Carter and Eason that much better than Branch, Watson and Robinson? I don't think so, although the coaching staff may trust the senior citizens more to give our starters a rest.

LOL at A.J. Jefferson being a "true star" in the league based on some average preseason appearences.

To Canuck's point: the difference between B-More's D and ours is that B-more's D can smother the run. If you can do one thing well, then it makes it easier to make up for the other thing. The pass defense might be a little improved, but if we're depending on Dan Williams staying in shape to shore up an awful run defense, then that's more hope than a plan.

 

[nationsrj]

Are Holliday, Carter and Eason that much better than Branch, Watson and Robinson? I don't think so, although the coaching staff may trust the senior citizens more to give our starters a rest.

My take on this is:
last year's DL:
Dockett, Robinson, Campbell
Iwebema, Williams, Branch
Watson

This year's DL:
Dockett, Williams, Campbell
Holliday, Carter, Eason

The important pieces for this are
Will Dockett and Campbell play better than last year?
Robinson replaced by Williams, Is this a drop off?
Holliday and Eason replace Iwebema and Branch.
Watson was let go.

I see Holliday and Eason providing more consistency than Iwebema and Branch, I also see them giving Dockett and Campbell a Breather with less drop off than Iwebema and Branch.
I believe a more rested Dockett and Campbell will play better this year.

Watson was replaced by Carter, I believe at this time the change is a wash.

I also believe Williams will end up this year playing better than Robinson did.

 

[AsUpRoDiGy]

Speculation is well...speculation. The true deciding factor will be in live action, and the Panthers are an easy target for a good D. If this defense can't stop Cam, they won't be able to stop anybody. Saying this defense is better than last year, based on personnel, is flabbergasting, to say the least. The secondary is the most suspect in the league, and an already struggling Wilson is injured, so that just adds more uncertainty. I certainly won't make any predictions, but again, the Panther's should be very easy to gameplan against, and it's a good test to see where this defense really stands.

 

[kerouac9]

Speculation is well...speculation. The true deciding factor will be in live action, and the Panthers are an easy target for a good D. If this defense can't stop Cam, they won't be able to stop anybody. Saying this defense is better than last year, based on personnel, is flabbergasting, to say the least. The secondary is the most suspect in the league, and an already struggling Wilson is injured, so that just adds more uncertainty. I certainly won't make any predictions, but again, the Panther's should be very easy to gameplan against, and it's a good test to see where this defense really stands.

Less worried about that than the defense being able to stop DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Teams were able to gouge us with really mediocre backs last year. We may or may not have Steven Williams's number, but he's about the only back that we have been able to contain.

People forget that while our pass defense was regrettable last year, our run defense was abominable. We could see the Panther walk out of UofP with a "W" even if Cam Newton's stat line is something like 12-26, 125 yrds, INT.

 

[Cardiac]

The only loss of talent on the D-line this offseason was Branch and some would argue he was okayish.
Eason, Holiday and Carter are huge upgrades to Iwebema and especially Robinson and Watson. PJ1 and I got into a discussion about whether BRob or Watson sucked more but basically it was about how you like your turds, hard with corn or wet and sloppy.

DD has already stated that he needs to rotate out more to keep fresher which should help him make more big plays. CC came on strong at the end of the year so I'll go with him improving this year.

It will be fun to watch how much playing time Carter gets and what he does, has to be better then BRob and Watson. Now if Dumpster Dan can get his reps on 1st and 2nd down and not get worn out then I expect huge things from this unit.

As several have posted DWash and Schofield will play better based on the experience they got last year. The wild card is Bradley and I expect him to be a playmaker for us.

Yes we should be concerned about our Pass Rush but I haven't thrown in the towel and expect it will suck. I'm just not as optimistic about that aspect of the D then the aforementioned.

The injury to Toler was a big hit to the CB unit, at least on paper. DRC played like a rookie last year so PP21 should at least be a wash. AJ Jefferson might struggle more then Toler did last year but I doubt by much. I also like our depth behind the starters more then what we had last year.

Adub's injury is a blow but it's easier to play with 1 1/2 arms then 1 1/2 legs. I expect his play to be improved over last year.

Lastly Horton, all conjecture at this point but I expect he will make the biggest positive impact of all.

 

[Duckjake]

The injury to Toler was a big hit to the CB unit, at least on paper. DRC played like a rookie last year so PP21 should at least be a wash. AJ Jefferson might struggle more then Toler did last year but I doubt by much. I also like our depth behind the starters more then what we had last year.

Speaking of CBs what the heck happened to Rod Hood? The guy had 21pdfs, 5 Interceptions, two returned for TDs, for us in 2007 and 2 years later he's basically done? Talk about going from the Penthouse to the Outhouse.

 

[187]

Speaking of CBs what the heck happened to Rod Hood? The guy had 21pdfs, 5 Interceptions, two returned for TDs, for us in 2007 and 2 years later he's basically done? Talk about going from the Penthouse to the Outhouse.

Good question. I know he tore is ACL last year before the season started. Just had one of those fluky years and wasn't able to reproduce it. I'm pretty sure he was one of the highest ranked corners in coverage in his 2007 season.

 

[Buckybird]

Speaking of CBs what the heck happened to Rod Hood? The guy had 21pdfs, 5 Interceptions, two returned for TDs, for us in 2007 and 2 years later he's basically done? Talk about going from the Penthouse to the Outhouse.

The "Cardinal" finally sunk in

 

[Duckjake]

Good question. I know he tore is ACL last year before the season started. Just had one of those fluky years and wasn't able to reproduce it. I'm pretty sure he was one of the highest ranked corners in coverage in his 2007 season.

You're correct I think it was Football Outsiders that had him ranked as one of the top 5 CBs in the league that year.

Must have been as you said a freak season because he never really had a year like that before or after.

Hood didn't like to tackle much either in '07 but got better in '08. I remember him running away from contact a lot.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Speculation is well...speculation. The true deciding factor will be in live action, and the Panthers are an easy target for a good D. If this defense can't stop Cam, they won't be able to stop anybody. Saying this defense is better than last year, based on personnel, is flabbergasting, to say the least. The secondary is the most suspect in the league, and an already struggling Wilson is injured, so that just adds more uncertainty. I certainly won't make any predictions, but again, the Panther's should be very easy to gameplan against, and it's a good test to see where this defense really stands.

Ok.... so who has the second most suspect secondary in the league, the third, etc. ?

 

[Duckjake]

Ok.... so who has the second most suspect secondary in the league, the third, etc. ?

He's a Cardinal fan. If he thinks our secondary is the most suspect in the league why would he care who was 2nd or 3rd?