GLENDALE – In the Arizona Cardinals last three division games, the defense has surrendered 40+ points. Since joining the NFC West in 2002, they have only allowed that amount of points four times. In a five-week span, Arizona has nearly doubled that number, and the defense has become a shell of what it was earlier in the season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis spoke with the media on Tuesday about the struggles from his unit and discussing about he didn’t like the gameplan ahead of Sunday’s 45-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis watches his team against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on Nov 3, 2024, in Glendale.
Rallis on not liking gameplan ahead of Rams matchup:
Rallis takes responsibility for the team not being prepared, similar to how head coach Jonathan Gannon has shouldered the blame for the team’s losses this year. Regardless of the injuries the defense has suffered, the Cardinals allowed 530 scrimmage yards to the Rams, the most surrendered by a Gannon-led team. The defense is just another problem for the franchise to add to list of areas to fix this offseason.
Jul 27, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis talks to head coach Jonathan Gannon during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic
One player doesn’t make a team, but it’s quite clear after linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. exited late during the Dallas Cowboys game in Week 9 how big of an absent it would be for the defense. In the five weeks without Wilson, Arizona has allowed 366.6 scrimmage yards, 212.4 passing yards and 154.2 rushing yards. During that span, the Cardinals have the seventh-worst passing defense and second-worst rushing defense.
Rookie linebacker Cody Simon has taken over the green dot role from Wilson, and the results haven’t been pretty. Rallis understands he needs to do a better job of preparing the personnel he does have to go out and better perform on Sunday, a task he’s failed for the past couple months.
Brissett on how Cardinals will overcome embarrassing 45-17 loss to Rams
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
