The domination of the Cardinals defense is growing every game, not to mention the secondary with Budda Baker who makes beastly tackles on big names such as Tyreek Hill never letting up on his opponents. The numbers do not lie: Cardinals’ defense for the team has improved to the 12th-ranked scoring defense from 31st in 2023 and will test their defense Sunday for a divisional game against their rivals the Seahawks.
AZ D has improved to 12th-ranked scoring defense (from 31st in 2023).
–PHI improved from 18th-ranked scoring D to 8th-ranked in JG's two years as DC (2021-22). https://t.co/3Q7j1z7LKZ
— Paul Calvisi (@PaulCalvisi) November 20, 2024
Over the past three home games, the Cardinals’ defense has not allowed a single touchdown. Along with Baker, Jalen Thompson, the young cornerbacks Garrett Williams, Max Melton and Starling Thomas V are growing and learning to trust one another to find advantages on the field.
“It’s the trust and knowing that they can take a lot of that stress. And you stress one spot to have an advantage or a strength in another spot. … I feel like those guys can take that stress.” said defensive coordinator Nick Rallis.
With the team’s success, there are still injuries that have affected the defensive front and some more help cannot hurt the Cardinals. With the announcement Monday, Darius Robinson was scheduled to be a full participant in practice, and it is quite possible he could travel to Seattle to line up in the trenches and add some more depth to an already strong defense. Robinson has been on injured reserve for nine weeks and was activated off IR back October 28th. Cardinals had plans early on for Robinson to show his versatility and bring a dynamic that was missing from the 2023 team defense.
Cardinals activate rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson from IR
The team attended a training-camp style, bonus-day practice ahead of the Week 12 game. The 27th overall pick out of Missouri, Robinson continues to work his way back to the field to get in regular season play. His loss was just the start of a chain reaction of injuries that took over the defensive frontline. Cardinals could get a boost with him stepping in, however there is no specific date of return, it is a watch and see scenario.
- OL Kelvin Beachum (NIR-Rest) – DNP
- S Jalen Thompson (Ankle) – DNP
- RB Emari Demercado (Shoulder) – Limited
- DL Darius Robinson (Calf) – Limited
- S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Back) – Limited
- OL Jonah Williams (Knee) – Limited
- OL Isaiah Adams (Back) – Full
Wednesday's injury report:
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 21, 2024
He is currently listed as limited, have to wait and see Sunday if the rookie will be incorporated back into the defense and if so, if it will make an impact to the already successful Arizona Cardinals.
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Jacqline Rhodes is a writer for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X via @JackieRhodes_
