Sando's take on defense

[az1965]

Very accurate...

...

Three years and two defensive coordinators later, the Cardinals' defense is statistically worse through two games than at any point since at least 1940. While Arizona's 22-21 defeat to the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field reflected shortcomings in all facets of the game, nowhere were the problems more glaring than on defense.

...

The 21-13 lead Arizona took on Fitzgerald's 73-yard touchdown reception from Kolb was no match for a defense that has now allowed 932 yards through two games, including 455 to the Rex Grossman-led Redskins. Only 14 teams in the previous 70 NFL seasons have allowed as many yards through two games, according to Pro Football Reference

...

And what about those late-game defensive struggles?

"When did we play defense the whole day, as opposed to late in the game?" coach Ken Whisenhunt responded.

Fair point.

...

Yet, it's clear the Cardinals will get worse on defense before they get better. The stats say they already have. The 477 and 455 yards Arizona has allowed exceed all but two of the team's single-game totals from last season. That wasn't what the team had in mind when it named Ray Horton defensive coordinator during the offseason.

Outside linebacker Clark Haggans and Joey Porter combined for one quarterback hit, according to the NFL gamebook, and the Cardinals had only two for the game despite 44 drop-backs by Grossman. Rhodes' sack was the only one for Arizona.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/45715/theres-no-defending-this-cardinals-defense

 

[az1965]

Nice of A-Dub to throw the corners under the bus...

The secondary appeared out of sorts when Grossman found Santana Moss for an 18-yard touchdown to pull the Redskins within 21-19 with 5:17 remaining.

What happened there?

"Just the corners, a miscommunication down low," Pro Bowl safety Adrian Wilson said. "We practiced the play probably 100 times. Whenever games and situations like that come up, we just have to make the play. We're going to live and die with those corners, regardless of what happens. We're not going to change who we have. We have what we have and we're going to roll with it."

 

[Mulli]

Still on pace to give up fewer points than last year.

 

[AsUpRoDiGy]

You know when your defense is bad? When Haggans and Porter are your starting OLB's in a 3-4 scheme. Can someone on the Cardinals staff PLEASE grow a brain!

 

[Chopper0080]

While our defense has been poor, Sando fails to mention that Green Bay's defense has given up more yards than us this season.

Yards allowed are really going to become a pretty irrelevant stat. It is so easy to throw the ball around in the league anymore which is why scoring and yards are both up. Solid defense is quickly being categorized by points allowed, turnovers created and 3rd down stop %. The rest is skewed by the spread style of offense and the rules that protect QB's and Wr's.

 

[Chopper0080]

Still on pace to give up fewer points than last year.

Which is really what counts in the end.

 

[Hollywood]

Which is really what counts in the end.

especially since we don't have DA under center any more.

 

[az1965]

While I agree in the end scores matter, however, long yardages usually have other implications such as defense on the field more and getting tired for late in the games, offense not getting enough opportunities.

 

[Cheesebeef]

I feared this would be the worst cardinals defense we've ever seen and thus far, I've seen nothing to change my mind unfortunately.

thank GOD we don't face Brady, Rivers, Rodgers or Brees this year. Those guys would set passing records on us.

 

[thephoenixson28]

I actually think our defense has played pretty well. Defense was on the field most of the time in Washington but that's cuz the offense couldn't capitalize on turnovers.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

I know there's a new scheme, but should the tackle list really look like this?

Arizona	            TK    AST   COM	
K.Rhodes	            7	    1	    8	
P.Peterson	            5	    3	    8	
S.Bradley	            5	    2	    7	
R.Walker	            4	    3	    7	
P.Lenon	            4	    2	    6	
J.Porter	            4	    1	    5	
A.Jefferson	    3	    2	    5	
C.Haggans	            3	    1	    4	
A.Wilson	            3	    1	    4	
O.Schofield	    2	    1	    3	
R.Marshall	            2	    1	    3	
D.Dockett	            2	    0	    2	
V.Holliday	            1	    1	    2	
R.Johnson	            1	    0	    1	
D.Carter	            1	    0	    1	
C.Campbell	    1	    3	    4

 

[Duckjake]

I actually think our defense has played pretty well. Defense was on the field most of the time in Washington but that's cuz the offense couldn't capitalize on turnovers.

As AZ1965 pointed out if the Cards defense wouldn't let teams just roll over them until they get inside the 10 before getting their backs up they wouldn't be on the field so long. It's a really weird trait of CKW's defenses.

The only thing we need to say about Offense/Defense is that the Offense gave the Defense a 21-13 lead and the D couldn't hold it.

 

[Jetstream Green]

wonder if the refs would allow us to place pylons 20 yards in back of us when in the mid-section of the field LOL

 

[Dayman]

Two QB hits in 44 pass attempts is pathetic. This year's pass rush situation is starting to look a lot like last year's QB situation. Whis kept saying it would be fine, but few of us believed him. Unfortunately, it appears those concerns were legitimate.

The solution? I'm not sure, but I know it involves getting Joey Porter out of there for 90% of the game. He's done.

 

[Russ Smith]

I usually like Sando but I don't get the comment it's clear it's going to get worse before it gets better? We played the whole game without our best LB Washington, and more than half the game without Lenon. We are starting 2 new CB's, both of whom figure to get better with experience. And we are starting a one armed SS who figures to get better as the season goes on and he hopefully gets healthier.

I think the defense stinks right now but they should get better. Teams that put in new systems are at a HUGE disadvantage this year with the short camp, add in playing new guys like our CB's and to say we're not going to get better seems wrong.

 

[MadCardDisease]

So many blown coverages! The Defensive backfield just looks confused.

 

[Chopper0080]

While I agree in the end scores matter, however, long yardages usually have other implications such as defense on the field more and getting tired for late in the games, offense not getting enough opportunities.

No really, those are consequences of not stopping third down conversions. Yardage happens in today's NFL. An even further testament to how yardage allowed is a poor barometer for defensive play is the San Fran game. Dallas' defense allowed only 206 yards of total offense, yet had to tie the game late to be able to win in overtime. Opposite end of the spectrum, but yardage means very little as a defensive stat.

 

[Bert]

No really, those are consequences of not stopping third down conversions. Yardage happens in today's NFL. An even further testament to how yardage allowed is a poor barometer for defensive play is the San Fran game. Dallas' defense allowed only 206 yards of total offense, yet had to tie the game late to be able to win in overtime. Opposite end of the spectrum, but yardage means very little as a defensive stat.

Exactly. I wonder how many times over the past 2 seasons this defense has had the other team in 3rd and long, then allowed them to convert. That and if a team ever goes for it on 4th down, not only will they convert, but it's a virtual guarantee that they'll score a touchdown.

 

[az1965]

I usually like Sando but I don't get the comment it's clear it's going to get worse before it gets better? We played the whole game without our best LB Washington, and more than half the game without Lenon. We are starting 2 new CB's, both of whom figure to get better with experience. And we are starting a one armed SS who figures to get better as the season goes on and he hopefully gets healthier.

I think the defense stinks right now but they should get better. Teams that put in new systems are at a HUGE disadvantage this year with the short camp, add in playing new guys like our CB's and to say we're not going to get better seems wrong.

That's why I think we should not jump the gun on Horton yet... he needs to get the benefit of the doubt because of no off season. However, right now even basic techniques and effort seems to be a problem which also kind of an implication of no off season. But Whiz's defenses have always had issues so we will see if things get better later in the season with Horton.

 

[az1965]

Exactly. I wonder how many times over the past 2 seasons this defense has had the other team in 3rd and long, then allowed them to convert. That and if a team ever goes for it on 4th down, not only will they convert, but it's a virtual guarantee that they'll score a touchdown.

and that does not imply high yardage?? You let teams convert 3rd downs and they will move the chains and pile up yardage. If they score or not is a different issue. So, if you are including 3rd down conversions as a defensive efficiency measurement how come that does not imply yardage???

 

[Seandonic]

I know it's very early but...as of right now, Ray Horton looks every bit the defensive guru that Russ Grimm looks the O-line guru.

 

[AsUpRoDiGy]

I know it's very early but...as of right now, Ray Horton looks every bit the defensive guru that Russ Grimm looks the O-line guru.

There's no possible way you can compare the two. Grimm has had several years to build the O-Line to his specification, and they've only gotten worse. Goes to show his coaching 'prowess' is extremely over-rated, as is his talent evaluation. Horton doesn't have the necessary players to be successful, and he's barely had any time to install his new D. Once Haggans and Porter are gone, this defense can only improve.

 

[az1965]

Is there any other team in the league for which Porter and Haggans will be starting OLBers in a 3-4 D???

 

[Jasper]

I know there's a new scheme, but should the tackle list really look like this?

Arizona	            TK    AST   COM	
K.Rhodes	            7	    1	    8	
P.Peterson	            5	    3	    8	
S.Bradley	            5	    2	    7	
R.Walker	            4	    3	    7	
P.Lenon	            4	    2	    6	
J.Porter	            4	    1	    5	
A.Jefferson	    3	    2	    5	
C.Haggans	            3	    1	    4	
A.Wilson	            3	    1	    4	
O.Schofield	    2	    1	    3	
R.Marshall	            2	    1	    3	
D.Dockett	            2	    0	    2	
V.Holliday	            1	    1	    2	
R.Johnson	            1	    0	    1	
D.Carter	            1	    0	    1	
C.Campbell	    1	    3	    4

Its not good when your FS leads the team in tackles.

 

[187]

I know it's very early but...as of right now, Ray Horton looks every bit the defensive guru that Russ Grimm looks the O-line guru.

Let's be real here, Dick LeBeau couldn't do any better with this group of pass(ed their time) rushers on the edge and the fact that no matter what blitz Horton dials up we can't get anyone free to the QB. I do not understand it. We bring the heat damn near every play and way more times than not NO ONE gets an open hit on the QB. We can't even luck our way into a free hit, I don't get it. I'm far from knowing how offensive lines adjust for the blitz, but if I was playing a team with Porter and Haggans on the edges and a blitz comes I'd let a back or tight end worry about the OLB's and focus on picking up everyone else. Washington got Orakpo in a mismatch like that and absolutely demolished King and then Kolb. Line up Porter or Haggans on a tight end and I bet the QB comfortably gets his pass off more times than not.

The only silver lining I can see is that Cam did the same exact thing to GB (but Chuck Woodson said enough is enough youngin' and got some picks) and they, along with Miami and New England have managed to give up more YPG than we have and the GB/MIA were much better defenses than us last year. Defenses are struggling early on due to the lockout, so at least we aren't alone and some people are managing to outsuck us. We are also #11 in the league in PPG, which is all that matters when all is said and done.