The Arizona Cardinals hit a hard reset button just two years after appearing to have the makeup to be a Super Bowl contender. The Cardinals are hoping first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon can get the franchise back on track. Gannon previously served as the Defensive Coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Cardinals could use Gannon’s expertise to get Arizona back on track. Here’s a look at what to expect from Arizona’s defense this season.
Check out an in-depth NFL betting lines and analysis for the Arizona Cardinals’ defense during the upcoming 2023 season.
2023 Arizona Cardinals Defense In-Depth Betting Analysis | MyBookie NFL Regular Season Preview
Arizona Cardinals: 104th season in the NFL
Owner: Michael Bidwill
Head Coach: Jonathan Gannon
Home Field: State Farm Stadium | Glendale, Arizona
Super Bowl Odds: +18000
NFC Conference Odds to Win: +8000
NFC West Odds to Win: +2500
Arizona will Need to Rebuild Its Pass Rush
The Cardinals need to find a way to replace J.J. Watt, who led the team with 12.5 sacks last season. Arizona didn’t have much around Watt last season, as no other Cardinals’ defensive player finished with more than 5.5 sacks. Zach Allen, who finished with 5.5 sacks, moved on to the Denver Broncos in free agency.
Arizona did go out and draft a defensive end in the second round. The Cardinals brought in BJ Ojulari from LSU. Ojulari was an All-SEC selection last season. Arizona is hoping to see more progress from edge rushers Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders, who the Cardinals drafted over the past few seasons.
Arizona is hoping to see more from Dennis Gaderck and Kyzir White as well. The Cardinals were toward the bottom third of the league last season, only recording 36 sacks.
Gannon has a Style that Should Help Arizona’s Defense Transition
There was some criticism of Gannon for not being aggressive enough in Philadelphia. However, Gannon’s defensive philosophy isn’t based solely on aggression. Gannon’s defense is to prevent the big play and try to force turnovers.
In the past Gannon’s defense, has been able to do that by using a lot of pre-snap disguises to confuse opposing offenses. Keeping up the deception should help Arizona keep its opponents on their toes.
Trying to Keep Baker Happy
Arizona safety Budda Baker has demanded a trade. While the Cardinals’ safety is adamant that he would like to be somewhere else, Baker does plan to show up to training camp. He has intercepted two or more passes in the past three seasons.
Arizona finished with 11 interceptions as a team last season. Marco Wilson led Arizona with three interceptions, while Isaiah Simmons and Baker each had two apiece. The Cardinals added two defensive backs in the draft.
Arizona picked Syracuse product Garrett Williams in the second round while taking a flyer on Louisville’s Kei’Trel Clark in the sixth round.
Can Offense Take Pressure Off?
Arizona didn’t play well anywhere last season. Quarterback Kyler Murray was hurt, and overall the Cardinals were unable to find a way to move the ball well. Arizona will need to try and keep possession of the ball longer to take the pressure off what should be an inexperienced defense.
If the Cardinals can develop a solid pass rush, Arizona will be able to rally behind a more experienced secondary. However, if the Cardinals’ pass rush struggles angina this season, it could be a long season for Arizona.
Super Bowl Pick | Bet Arizona Cardinals to Win
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2023 Arizona Defense Positions
| POS | Starter | Second |
|---|---|---|
| Left Defensive End | Zaven Collins | Myjai Sanders |
| Right Defensive End | Jonathan Ledbetter | L.J. Collier |
| Left Defensive Tackle | Rashard Lawrence | Carlos Watkins |
| Right Defensive Tackle | Leki Fotu | Kevin Strong |
| Strongside Linebacker | Dennis Gardeck | ictor Dimukeje |
| Middle Linebacker | Kyzir White | Krys Barnes |
| Weakside Linebacker | BJ Ojulari | Owen Pappoe |
| Right Cornerback | Marco Wilson | Isaiah Simmons |
| Left Cornerback | Rashad Fenton | Antonio Hamilton |
| Strong Safety | Jalen Thompson | JuJu Hughes |
| Free Safety | Budda Bake | Jovante Moffatt |
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