The Arizona Cardinals’ 2024 season is off to a shaky start, and one of the most glaring issues is their pass rush. Yet, if you listen to the coaches and some players, you’d think they’ve got everything under control. But do they really? A deeper look at the current state of the Cardinals’ defense reveals a team skating on thin ice, and their comfort with their pass rush could be their undoing.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
For a team that struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season, the Cardinals have done little to significantly upgrade their pass rush in the offseason. While they’ve added some new faces, the lack of a true dominant edge rusher still haunts them. Last season, they ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks and pressures, and early indications this season suggest not much has changed. Despite this, the Cardinals’ coaching staff has been vocal about their belief in the current group, leaning on buzzwords like “potential” and “upside.”
The question is: how long can potential compensate for actual performance? The Cardinals’ pass rush has looked anything but formidable, often leaving the secondary exposed and quarterbacks with ample time to dissect the defense. While some might argue that sacks aren’t the only measure of success, the Cardinals’ inability to pressure consistently puts their already shaky defense in precarious positions week after week.
Overconfidence or Delusion?
Head Coach Jonathan Gannon, a former defensive coordinator renowned for building solid pass rush schemes, seems to be betting on his ability to develop young players like Zaven Collins and Cameron Thomas into reliable pass rushers. But banking on the development of unproven talent as your primary defensive strategy is a dangerous gamble.
The NFL is a league driven by results, and optimism alone doesn’t win games. The lack of a veteran presence on the defensive line who can lead by example and instill a pass rush mentality is glaringly obvious. Sure, they have high-motor guys, but having heart isn’t enough when facing elite offensive lines. Meanwhile, the Cardinals’ decision not to pursue established pass rushers in free agency or make significant trades raises questions about their commitment to improving what was clearly a weak point.
The Secondary’s Silent Struggle
A subpar pass rush doesn’t just impact the defensive line; it reverberates throughout the entire defense. With the Cardinals’ front four failing to disrupt plays, the secondary has been left to bear the brunt of opposing offenses. Talented cornerbacks like Marco Wilson and Budda Baker can only hold coverage for so long before cracks begin to show, and opposing quarterbacks are exploiting this to devastating effect.
The Cardinals’ unwillingness to acknowledge this vicious cycle borders on negligence. A strong pass rush can make even average corners look elite, but without pressure, even the best defensive backs can only hold the fort for so long. The domino effect of a poor pass rush is clearly seen in the Cardinals’ defensive rankings, with the team frequently allowing big plays and struggling to get off the field on crucial downs.
A Recipe for Disaster?
The Cardinals’ comfort with their pass rush is not just misguided; it’s setting the team up for a disaster that fans have seen too many times before. The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and without the ability to disrupt opposing QBs, the Cardinals are playing with fire. Gannon’s faith in the young and unproven talent may prove fruitful in the future, but this is not a league that waits.
The sad reality is that the Cardinals’ refusal to address their pass-rushing woes more aggressively could turn their season into a repeat of past disappointments. Time and again, teams have proven that a potent pass rush is essential to playoff success. With the NFC West boasting some of the most dynamic offenses in the league, the Cardinals’ comfort with their current pass-rush strategy feels more like wishful thinking than a solid plan.
Final Thoughts
The Arizona Cardinals’ stubborn belief in their current pass rush might be admirable on the surface, but it’s a gamble that could derail their season. There’s still time to make adjustments, whether through trades or scheme changes, but the clock is ticking. Until then, the Cardinals’ comfort with their pass rush might just be the lurking doom that keeps them stuck in mediocrity.