GLENDALE – The Mike LaFleur era with the Arizona Cardinals still carry major baggage from last year’s team. In 2025, the franchise had one of the worst defenses in the league. Six of the final nine weeks of the season saw Arizona allow 30+ points. The Cardinals made a coaching change at essentially ever position, except for a big one in defensive coordinator, keeping Nick Rallis.
The decision was meant with questions, but at only 33 years old, Rallis is still an interesting coaching prospect to range. However, the preseason has been more of the same, having two games with opponents scoring 30+ points.
Aug 22, 2026; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darius Robinson (56) looks on in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Cardinals preseason defensive stats:
- 25.6 ppg allowed
- six total sacks
- 139.7 rushing yards allowed
- 229.7 passing yards
- 2 turnovers
- 61.1% opponent third-down conversion
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) carries the ball against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Elijah Jones (28) in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Preseason is reserves playing against reserves, so results are taken with a grain of salt. Regardless, there is still some fundamental issues Arizona will need to fix before its Sept. 13th season opener vs. the Los Angeles Chargers. The two biggest holes is third-down and run defense.
The Cardinals were 25th in rushing yards allowed and the front seven struggled to contain opposing backs from breaking away. Injuries decimated a run defense that was solid through the first eight weeks, but problems around finishing tackles and being at the point of attack remained. Those bad habits were apparent in the three preseason games with nearly 140 rushing yards allowed per game.
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur watches from the sidelines against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
At 61.1% third down conversion, Arizona’s defense would have one of the worst in NFL history if this was a full season. Finishing drives on both sides of the ball was a problem for last year’s squad. The offense looks much better in that regard, but the defense has allowed 23 first downs off third downs. Penalties and short-pattern passing concepts have killed the unit in those opportunities.
Keeping opponents in front and disciplined in those scenarios will do wonders for Rallis’ defense in this upcoming NFL season.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
