What to Watch as Cardinals Defense Finishes 2023
The Arizona Cardinals' defense, to say the least, has been a roller coaster ride in 2023.
If you asked most Cardinals fans coming into the year regarding their defense, most would have probably had pretty low expectations given the roster, with very few unknowns and even the known commodities not happy (Budda Baker).
There have been some highlights though, such as during their three wins - and even in some losses, such as intercepting C.J. Stroud three times in a close loss.
The lows, however, cannot be overlooked - struggles at cornerback (and a revolving door along with injuries), the lack of a consistent pass rush and run defense just to name a few.
With that in mind, let's take a look at what Cardinals fans should be looking for during the teams last 4 games.
Defensive Line
This part of the defense has arguably been the weakest for Arizona and perhaps the most likely to receive an upgrade in the offseason.
There have been some good splash plays - such as Kevin Strong stone-walling Najee Harris on 4th and goal this past week - but they seem to be few and far between.
So the biggest question is can anyone emerge outside of Dante Stills as a potential starter next year? Jonathan Ledbetter might be the most consistent, but Strong, Roy Lopez and even Phil Hoskins have looked good at times.
A possible wildcard? The recently acquired Naquan Jones, a veteran who played a good bit for the Titans and was recently elevated to the active roster.
EDGE
If there is a group that has perhaps over-achieved, it would be this group, despite the lack of a consistent pass rush. The numbers, in terms of sacks, speak for themselves:
Dennis Gardeck: 5 sacks
Victor Dimukeje: 4 sacks
B.J. Ojulari: 4 sacks
Zaven Collins: 3.5 sacks
The top three have all but locked in their spot on next year's roster, but Collins' play seems to have dropped off a bit in the past few games. Can he regain/improve upon his early season form?
Can Ojulari continue to contribute and go into next season penciled in at starter? Or do they need (likely either way) to add via the draft and/or free agency another impact edge player?
Linebackers
In some ways, albeit not great ones, the loss of Kyzir White will help answer the question of who should be starting across from him in 2024. The main question then that needs to be answered is is the other starter currently on the roster?
That may indeed be answered over the next few games by Josh Woods or Krys Barnes.
The wildcard? How about rookie Owen Pappoe, who's finally getting some snaps on defense. Does he show enough or even get a look as a starter before the end of the year?
Cornerback
Perhaps the position that alongside of defensive line needs an injection of talent is corner.
While there does not seem to be a legitimate number one corner on the roster at the moment, the good news is that Garrett Williams has emerged as a quality starter.
Can someone like Kei'Trel Clark or Divaad Wilson also emerge as potential starters/quality depth pieces?
We previously evaluated the Cardinals' offense in the same light. You can read that below:
