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When the Arizona Cardinals announced that linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. would be replacing Kyzir White as the starter this offseason, not everyone knew what to think. Well, the change of command is paying dividends for defensive coordinator Nick Rallis and All-Pro safety Budda Baker so far in 2025.
Wilson currently leads the team in total tackles through week 6, a task Baker was credited for just a season ago. Wilson totaled nine tackles in the 31-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and hauled in a timely interception as well of quarterback Daniel Jones in the first half. The Cardinals defense is stout and with Wilson playing the "Mike" linebacker position, Rallis trusts that every snap will be executed to perfection. Wilson's activity has benefited Baker, who now spends less time exhausting himself as run support but rather working as a ballhawk in the secondary.
Wilson's ability to cover the field laterally helps him to excel as a quarterback spy in zone coverage. The Cardinals' inability to get sacks Sunday cost them, and since Colts tight end Jaylen Warren was likely not on the team's radar as a significant threat, linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither was mainly responsible for covering him and ultimately struggled to tackle in the open field.
This weekend versus the Green Bay Packers, Wilson and Baker need to consult Rallis to assess ways to slow down tight end Tucker Kraft in the passing game. If successful, the Cardinals will have a chance to utilize their pass rush to upset the Packers at home.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals LB Mack Wilson Sr. has lessened the load on Budda Baker
Continue reading...
Wilson currently leads the team in total tackles through week 6, a task Baker was credited for just a season ago. Wilson totaled nine tackles in the 31-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and hauled in a timely interception as well of quarterback Daniel Jones in the first half. The Cardinals defense is stout and with Wilson playing the "Mike" linebacker position, Rallis trusts that every snap will be executed to perfection. Wilson's activity has benefited Baker, who now spends less time exhausting himself as run support but rather working as a ballhawk in the secondary.
Wilson's ability to cover the field laterally helps him to excel as a quarterback spy in zone coverage. The Cardinals' inability to get sacks Sunday cost them, and since Colts tight end Jaylen Warren was likely not on the team's radar as a significant threat, linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither was mainly responsible for covering him and ultimately struggled to tackle in the open field.
This weekend versus the Green Bay Packers, Wilson and Baker need to consult Rallis to assess ways to slow down tight end Tucker Kraft in the passing game. If successful, the Cardinals will have a chance to utilize their pass rush to upset the Packers at home.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals LB Mack Wilson Sr. has lessened the load on Budda Baker
Continue reading...
