For What It's Worth In June, Defensive Edition

[SECTION 11]

Can you imagine when we do to the offense next offseason what we did to the defense this offseason?

 

[Goodyear Card]

Can you imagine when we do to the offense next offseason what we did to the defense this offseason?

That would be amazing if we picked up some NFL quality Offensive Linemen. However, currently we only have $14.7M in cap space for 2026. https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/arizona-cardinals

 

[SECTION 11]

That would be amazing if we picked up some NFL quality Offensive Linemen. However, currently we only have $14.7M in cap space for 2026. https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/arizona-cardinals

True, but way fewer holes to fill. Which is amazing.

 

[Chopper0080]

Burch fascinates me. I don’t think he was well used in college. He flashed all kinds of potential. I’m very excited to see what coaching can do with him. He might even be special with some work.

The defensive front has a lot of raw tools to work with which is a change from past seasons. My initial hope is they get these players to contribute this season in some way or fashion.

 

[Chopper0080]

That would be amazing if we picked up some NFL quality Offensive Linemen. However, currently we only have $14.7M in cap space for 2026. https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/arizona-cardinals

Lots of easy ways to create cap space

 

[cardsfanmd]

Metrics show that it’s where Colins rank as a 2 down backer and where Browning ranks as a pure 3rd down backer.

Would be nice to have that in one player, but here’s it’s spread on two

You’ve got to keep in mind that when you’re dealing with certain posters, stats, metrics and even common sense cannot overpower their insatiable need to cry about anything or anyone cardinal-related.

 

[Chopper0080]

You’ve got to keep in mind that when you’re dealing with certain posters, stats, metrics and even common sense cannot overpower their insatiable need to cry about anything or anyone cardinal-related.

I don't understand how disagreeing that the impossible combination of two role players is the equivalent of a "above average/borderline pro-bowl OLB" is considered "crying". I get that people have differing views on K9s posts but I don't believe this is that. It might not be fun to poo-poo Dragon Ball Z level fusion of Cardinal players to transform into an above average level player or production, but I disagree it is against common sense to do so.

I get what Bach was trying to do which is apply the RB thunder/lightening committee to the edge position. What history has shown is that that two quarters doesn't make a dollar (it can be much closer than that but the analogy fits).

 

[oaken1]

I don't understand how disagreeing that the impossible combination of two role players is the equivalent of a "above average/borderline pro-bowl OLB" is considered "crying". I get that people have differing views on K9s posts but I don't believe this is that. It might not be fun to poo-poo Dragon Ball Z level fusion of Cardinal players to transform into an above average level player or production, but I disagree it is against common sense to do so.

I get what Bach was trying to do which is apply the RB thunder/lightening committee to the edge position. What history has shown is that that two quarters doesn't make a dollar (it can be much closer than that but the analogy fits).

from the most basic position...they take up two roster spots instead of just one and hit the salary cap twice....granted it may still be a smaller cap hit than a pro bowl OLB by himself.
My only issue with the combination of players is that Browning as yet has shown jack since we got him... Im not "disappointed" because we knew what he was. But he hasnt shown anything to merit comparison to a pro bowl pass rusher.
There are pros and cons to having specialists on the team. They are usually good at what they do...but its hard to justify them when cut time comes around if you have young guys to develop that you have faith in.

for example ..we have Collins/Browning on the left...and Jordan Burch on the right. It seems reasonable that by next season Burch will fill both roles adequately by himself.

The only legit benefit is that you dont lose both roles if one guy gets injured.

 

[Chopper0080]

from the most basic position...they take up two roster spots instead of just one and hit the salary cap twice....granted it may still be a smaller cap hit than a pro bowl OLB by himself.
My only issue with the combination of players is that Browning as yet has shown jack since we got him... Im not "disappointed" because we knew what he was. But he hasnt shown anything to merit comparison to a pro bowl pass rusher.
There are pros and cons to having specialists on the team. They are usually good at what they do...but its hard to justify them when cut time comes around if you have young guys to develop that you have faith in.

for example ..we have Collins/Browning on the left...and Jordan Burch on the right. It seems reasonable that by next season Burch will fill both roles adequately by himself.

The only legit benefit is that you dont lose both roles if one guy gets injured.

Agreed

 

[Stout]

from the most basic position...they take up two roster spots instead of just one and hit the salary cap twice....granted it may still be a smaller cap hit than a pro bowl OLB by himself.
My only issue with the combination of players is that Browning as yet has shown jack since we got him... Im not "disappointed" because we knew what he was. But he hasnt shown anything to merit comparison to a pro bowl pass rusher.
There are pros and cons to having specialists on the team. They are usually good at what they do...but its hard to justify them when cut time comes around if you have young guys to develop that you have faith in.

for example ..we have Collins/Browning on the left...and Jordan Burch on the right. It seems reasonable that by next season Burch will fill both roles adequately by himself.

The only legit benefit is that you dont lose both roles if one guy gets injured.

Not to mention Zaven is a major hindrance on 1st and 2nd downs a lot of the time. If only teams only threw on 3rd down, great! He'd be an incredible part timer. They don't, and he isn't.

 

[BACH]

I get what Bach was trying to do which is apply the RB thunder/lightening committee to the edge position. What history has shown is that that two quarters doesn't make a dollar (it can be much closer than that but the analogy fits).

I get your point. I just think history is changing as there is much more rotation along the defensive front than we have ever seen before in the league. Especially in Gannon's scheme.

And I obviously think that it would be better to have that skillset combined in one single player.

 

[kerouac9]

for example ..we have Collins/Browning on the left...and Jordan Burch on the right. It seems reasonable that by next season Burch will fill both roles adequately by himself.

Why does that seem reasonable? Collins is a former first round pick. Browning is a former third-round pick. What has Burch proven?

 

[Krangodnzr]

I have a friend who is close friends with a 2025 FA signee on the defensive side.

He met with the Cardinals player yesterday and I asked my friend to get his impressions of the Cardinals coaching staff.

The player heaped effusive praise on Gannon and the defensive staff. My friend literally said he described Gannon as a defensive version of the McVay. He said the defense is really complicated but they teach it really well.

Another neat anecdote is that apparently Gannon and staff have figured out a tell in a division opponents QB that they teach all of the defenders. This QB once routinely torched the Cardinals but doesn't now.

 

[Crimson Warrior]

Can you imagine when we do to the offense next offseason what we did to the defense this offseason?

It might not be necessary to go all-in on the offense for 2026.

The offense was inconsistent last year, but still finished top-half of the league by most metrics. They're not that far away.

I think three things have to happen for the offense to become a top ten unit:

1. MHJ takes a step forward.
2. The o-line stays relatively healthy.
3. K1 (finally) makes some plays in the clutch

 

[Crimson Warrior]

I have a friend who is close friends with a 2025 FA signee on the defensive side.

He met with the Cardinals player yesterday and I asked my friend to get his impressions of the Cardinals coaching staff.

The player heaped effusive praise on Gannon and the defensive staff. My friend literally said he described Gannon as a defensive version of the McVay. He said the defense is really complicated but they teach it really well.

Another neat anecdote is that apparently Gannon and staff have figured out a tell in a division opponents QB that they teach all of the defenders. This QB once routinely torched the Cardinals but doesn't now.

That is so good to hear, because I still think defense wins championships!

And I love the culture Gannon has built from basically what was a dumpster fire! When was the last time you heard anything negative from any of the players? Or anything about trouble in the locker room?

It comes down to winning, and this is a crucial year for JG. Maybe he'll be successful. Maybe he won't. But personally I like his chances. I think MO is doing his job, and I think we'll win 10 this year.

 

[BACH]

That is so good to hear, because I still think defense wins championships!

And I love the culture Gannon has built from basically what was a dumpster fire! When was the last time you heard anything negative from any of the players? Or anything about trouble in the locker room?

It comes down to winning, and this is a crucial year for JG. Maybe he'll be successful. Maybe he won't. But personally I like his chances. I think MO is doing his job, and I think we'll win 10 this year.

Completely agree.

Their first season was painful with the complete lack of talent. But I believe they are doing the right thing and I’m certain that we will see a competitive team this year. How competitive remains to be seen and will depend on player development.

 

[Crimson Warrior]

How competitive remains to be seen and will depend on player development.

Such an underrated part of a coaching staff's performance. Usually the focus is on Ws and Ls and maybe some macro stats.

But a huge part of a staff being successful is helping/inspiring the Max Meltons and Darius Robinsons on a roster to turn the corner. Helping/inspiring the MHJs, PJs, and G Williams on a roster to take the next step towards greatness.

We've seen some of that from this staff. We've seen some guys on our roster get better. Again, this year a crucible for MO/JG/NR/DP.

 

[BACH]

Such an underrated part of a coaching staff's performance. Usually the focus is on Ws and Ls and maybe some macro stats.

But a huge part of a staff being successful is helping/inspiring the Max Meltons and Darius Robinsons on a roster to turn the corner. Helping/inspiring the MHJs, PJs, and G Williams on a roster to take the next step towards greatness.

We've seen some of that from this staff. We've seen some guys on our roster get better. Again, this year a crucible for MO/JG/NR/DP.

For me it’s both the deal breaker of the season and what I look forward to the most.

This team has had more top 100 draft picks than any team probably this century over a 2 draft period. So far no one looks like a bust and Monti looks to be able to find players with a high floor.

But what is the ceiling as they develop?

That is the million dollar question that will determine the fate of the team.