Grade the Arizona Defense

[urs]

Probably a C, higher than I'd grade the D- offense. Reality is though in our 3 losses the offense has had a chance to close out the game at the end and so has our defense. Both have failed.

 

[Adrian]

https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2025/10/09/mina-kimes-arizona-cardinals-defense-analysis/86594880007/

 

[Chopper0080]

I agree that injuries have hampered the D, but I have to downgrade them to a C based on coaching. Rallis has been criminally conservative and he is the head of the D. For me, the players have held up as well as possible. But we don't have the horses to rush 4 at the end of a game.

I understand that, but Rallis has to balance generating a pass rush with a depleted front and protecting a secondary that is playing only rookie or 2nd year CBs in Denzel Burke, Kei'Trel Clark, Mex Melton, and Will Johnson. Maybe Rallis needed to be more aggressive to prevent FGs from winning games, but it's not like AZ has been giving up TDs.

Also, on the big Cam Ward completion, I am pretty sure the coverage got messed up because there ended up being three guys in the middle of the field covering one dude. It looks like a man, 2 high look. These are just the mistakes that happen when you are having to go so far down your roster.

 

[602 Native]

C for me.

You can't have the 4th quarter collapses, prevent defenses, and unable to pressure QBs and give them anything better.

Indy is the first team we will face with a legitimate NFL offense. I expect them to score 30+ points this Sunday.

 

[Stout]

I understand that, but Rallis has to balance generating a pass rush with a depleted front and protecting a secondary that is playing only rookie or 2nd year CBs in Denzel Burke, Kei'Trel Clark, Mex Melton, and Will Johnson. Maybe Rallis needed to be more aggressive to prevent FGs from winning games, but it's not like AZ has been giving up TDs.

Also, on the big Cam Ward completion, I am pretty sure the coverage got messed up because there ended up being three guys in the middle of the field covering one dude. It looks like a man, 2 high look. These are just the mistakes that happen when you are having to go so far down your roster.

That's all well and good, but at game's end just meekly rushing 4 and allowing multiple QBs just rip down the field on your D is inexcusable. It ain't working. Change it. He isn't, so he rightly gets roasted for it.

 

[Chopper0080]

That's all well and good, but at game's end just meekly rushing 4 and allowing multiple QBs just rip down the field on your D is inexcusable. It ain't working. Change it. He isn't, so he rightly gets roasted for it.

On the big play to Ridley, Clark was in man coverage and there was pressure in Ward's face.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I'd give it a B, but it is closer to B-. I was about to post what Stout just said. The rushing 4 and playing zone at the end of the game cost them three goal ahead FGs in a row.

Rallis of last year would not have done that.

 

[Stout]

On the big play to Ridley, Clark was in man coverage and there was pressure in Ward's face.

That is one play.

 

[b8rtm8nn]

1Q-3Q: B+
4Q: C-

 

[Zalixar]

The defense has kept us in every single game to a reasonable score level. The "best" teams scored near the least.

They've had to do a last drive stop EVERY GAME this season. And so far they are 2-3. It's probably a coin flip with that anyway.

The offense isn't putting the game away at any opportunity. Can't give the defense any lower than a B overall.

If our offense was last year (for the most part), we would be skating to 5-0.

Oh well. What could have been.

 

[kerouac9]

Cards are 7th in 3rd down conversion percentage and 4th in red zone TD percentage. Can’t expect much more

 

[Chopper0080]

That is one play.

Sure but it highlights the risk and outcomes of man coverage with the current personnel.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

On the big play to Ridley, Clark was in man coverage and there was pressure in Ward's face.

and no safety help

 

[Chopper0080]

and no safety help

I think that was the mix up. Both guys seemed to get caught watching the post, and weren't able to get to the outside throw (a really tough throw at that).

 

[KYCardFan]

4th quarter defense - F

First 3 quarters defense - A

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

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[602 Native]

C for me.

You can't have the 4th quarter collapses, prevent defenses, and unable to pressure QBs and give them anything better.

Indy is the first team we will face with a legitimate NFL offense. I expect them to score 30+ points this Sunday.

Our defense is so fraudulent

 

[Chopper0080]

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Rallis and Gannon should be able to scheme up at least one 4q stop.

 

[Shane]

Rallis and Gannon should be able to scheme up at least one 4q stop.

They did they forced a punt in game one lol

 

[pemory09]

4th quarter defense - F

First 3 quarters defense - A

This seems to be our MO each week.

 

[Clif]

The defense is not living up to the billing. They are average at best right now based on the level of competition I said C

Still feel like a C is the right choice. We are not making the plays needed to change games.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

taylor straight killed us

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[Shane]

taylor straight killed us

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Well, to be fair that guy is a true stud and kills everybody and has been all year

 

[Cheesebeef]

F

 

[Proteus]

F

I think that's too harsh aside from the 4th quarter.