GLENDALE – What makes the struggles surrounding the Arizona Cardinals’ defense so difficult to explain is that the problem isn’t a lack of talent. The Cardinals need more effort and cohesion from the leaders and captains on the defensive side, and they need to make sure their communication gets it fixed.
Jul 24, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Arizona invested heavily in Josh Sweat this offseason, giving the pass rusher a four-year, $76.4 million contract, and he produced a career-high 12 sacks in 2025. Through three games, however, Sweat has yet to record a sack, and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis recently acknowledged the need to create more favorable third-down situations to unleash Sweat’s pass-rushing ability.
Josh Sweat is currently graded 111/112 edges in the NFL on PFF😳😳 pic.twitter.com/zk0vRiwOux
— Zay (@THEL0VESPACE) September 24, 2026
Then there are the former first-round investments. Walter Nolen III was selected in the first round of the 2026 draft, while Darius Robinson was a first-round pick in 2024. Both were expected to become important pieces of the defensive front, yet neither has consistently become the difference-maker Arizona needs. Even Budda Baker, the face of the defense, has room to raise his level. Baker has 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks through three games, but his coverage numbers have been a concern.
Nov 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) walks off the field after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Budda Baker and Josh Sweat have a combined cap hit of $35.6M this year. They need to be playing like stars, and have not so far. pic.twitter.com/bDugSQnbqN
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) September 28, 2026
That puts enormous pressure on Nick Rallis. He is the lone defensive coordinator retained from Jonathan Gannon’s staff, meaning the Cardinals kept him because they believed continuity could work under Mike LaFleur. Now, Rallis has to turn that continuity into results. The Cardinals don’t need to find talent; they need to unlock it. If Sweat, Nolen, Robinson, and Baker can become the players Arizona expected them to be, this defense could look dramatically different.
May 8, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis during rookie minicamp at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
