At 3-10, it’s not like the 2023 version of the Arizona Cardinals is that much different than the 4-13 2022 version. Last year the Cardinals were the 31st ranked team defensively, giving up a shade over 26 points per game and this season they currently slotted 30th, allowing 25.5 points each game.
Currently, the Cardinals' run defense is ranked among the bottom half of the league, allowing 4.4 yards per carry. Their 10-plus yards run defense is ranked 25th in the league allowing the opposition to do so 41 times and they have given up an astonishing 16 rushing touchdowns, placing the team just ahead of the Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers for the worst int he league.
When it comes to the team’s pass defense, it is not that much better as the opposition has been able to complete 69.9% of their pass attempts. While the Washington Commanders are giving up a league-worst 8.1 yards per attempt, the Cardinals aren’t that much better, allowing 7.6 yards per attempt. When it comes down to visiting the endzone, the Cardinals have given up 22 touchdowns, placing them ahead of the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Commanders.
What Happened During Free Agency Period?
While they didn’t have a lot of names to worry about bolting during the free agency period during the offseason, one of the players that they had hoped to retain was defensive end Zach Allen. Of the four main players that the Cardinals lost in free agency (DeAndre Hopkins, Byron Murphy, and Markus Golden) in addition to the retirement of superstar J.J. Watt, Allen’s lack of presence on the defensive side of the field may be felt the most.
From the start of the season, armed with a 3-year / $47 million contract, Allen’s addition to the Denver Broncos defensive line could be seen, and felt, immediately with five tackles (two solo, three assists) during their first game. The Broncos, the only one of the NFL teams in Colorado, still has a slim chance to make the playoffs.
Through thirteen games this season, the same amount he played last year with the Cardinals, Allen has totaled 49 tackles (including 24 solo missions and 25 team efforts) plus five sacks. Last year, Allen finished with 47 tackles (23 solo / 24 assisted) and 5.5 sacks.
If you want to go back to the 2021 season, Allen’s best with the Cardinals, he finished the year playing fifteen games recording 38 total tackles (30 solo / 18 assisted) with 4 sacks while adding in three fumble recoveries and an interception. While Allen has not managed to get his hands on the pigskin just yet, there are still four games remaining in the Broncos' schedule for the 26-year-old Connecticut native to add to what looks like his career-best season.
Are They Missing Zach Allen?
Yes, the Cardinals miss the 6’4”, 240-pound defensive end. Yes, their defense continues to be atrocious. However, there is a bit of a bright light shining in the distance that gives Cardinals Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis and the Arizona fans hope for the future. Whether you want to call it Jekyll and Hyde, Yin Yang, or glass half full / half empty, for everything that has been wrong and negative about the Cardinals' defense this season there are still some positives.
Currently sitting in the middle of the pack with 32 sacks and ninth place with 65 tackles for loss, the Cardinals' pass rush crew is more than above average and something that the team can use as a building block. While they don’t have one individual player who has recorded over five sacks, the team is ranked thirteenth overall with a 7.4 sack percentage. Although they haven’t knocked down the opposing quarterback as often as other teams, the Cardinals possess the eleventh-best opponents lost sack yards with 233.
The Challenges For The Cardinals Defensive Line
When describing his defensive line, Rallis points out, “They are high motor, violent dudes in the box and a lot of the times, we put them in a light box because we know those guys can win at the point of attack. I’ve kind of challenged them to go even further and say ‘Hey, every play has to look like these,’ because there’s a lot of clips where you say, ‘Hey guys this is a teach clip. This is how it needs to look. I challenge you to do that all the time.”
The 2023 Cardinals season is all but a wash with players now looking to secure either a position for next season or create a highlight package for free agency. If the team can build off of Dennis Gardeck, Victor Dimukeje, Kyzier White Budda Baker, and rookies Garrett Williams and BJ Ojulari, then maybe that light at the end of the tunnel will come that much quicker and a player like Zach Allen will be all but forgotten.
