I’ve been indicating that I believe the Cards will feature an offensive defense. Simply put I’m expecting a significant increase in turnovers, especially interceptions. I base this not just on the addition of Johnson, but I’m anticipating a dramatic increase in passer pressure. It may take a game or two to get the pass rush coordinated, but I’m expecting it to be a thing of beauty.
Pressured QBs hate to give up. The less talented ones will throw recklessly. This offers interception opportunities which I believe the Cards will capitalize on. Williams had 2 picks last year. With more opportunities it’s logical to expect that number or more. I think Melton secures one of the starting slots. His last 3 years in college resulted in 8 takeaways. If he starts, he’s likely is good for a couple of picks.
I believe Johnson starts from game one. He’ll get beat occasionally, however if he starts, he gets 4 picks. Patrick Peterson had only 2 picks in year one, but he had 7 in year two. He did not get an assist from a pass rush as good as I expect the Cards to have. Johnson is one of the most aggressive CBs I’ve seen. Even as a rookie I think he’ll be a force.
Collectively the CBs had 6 picks last season. I think 10 interceptions from this unit this season is plausible. Aggression is contagious. I think Johnson’s confidence will rub off on the other CBs and this will be a unit teams will not enjoy playing.
Sudden change has the biggest momentum impact in football. It wins games. Like Peterson, Johnson is a threat to create a pick six with any interception. Even if possession is all that results from an interception it’s an additional opportunity to score. It also tires the opponent’s defense and rests the Cards’ offense.
It’s been many years since the Cards fielded an offensive defense. However, I think this is the year.
Pressured QBs hate to give up. The less talented ones will throw recklessly. This offers interception opportunities which I believe the Cards will capitalize on. Williams had 2 picks last year. With more opportunities it’s logical to expect that number or more. I think Melton secures one of the starting slots. His last 3 years in college resulted in 8 takeaways. If he starts, he’s likely is good for a couple of picks.
I believe Johnson starts from game one. He’ll get beat occasionally, however if he starts, he gets 4 picks. Patrick Peterson had only 2 picks in year one, but he had 7 in year two. He did not get an assist from a pass rush as good as I expect the Cards to have. Johnson is one of the most aggressive CBs I’ve seen. Even as a rookie I think he’ll be a force.
Collectively the CBs had 6 picks last season. I think 10 interceptions from this unit this season is plausible. Aggression is contagious. I think Johnson’s confidence will rub off on the other CBs and this will be a unit teams will not enjoy playing.
Sudden change has the biggest momentum impact in football. It wins games. Like Peterson, Johnson is a threat to create a pick six with any interception. Even if possession is all that results from an interception it’s an additional opportunity to score. It also tires the opponent’s defense and rests the Cards’ offense.
It’s been many years since the Cards fielded an offensive defense. However, I think this is the year.
