If there was any positive from the 2012 season it was that of the Defense. Under Ray Hortons supervision the team that suffered sub-par defensive production to start 2011, was a dominant force from the end of 2011 to the end of 2012. But...
If there was any positive from the 2012 season it was that of the Defense. Under Ray Hortons supervision the team that suffered sub-par defensive production to start 2011, was a dominant force from the end of 2011 to the end of 2012. But with a regime change, Ray Horton was let go, and many began to speculate that the defense we knew, was no more. I know there are those of you who doubt we will be productive on Defense, and I value your opinion, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Whilst we may not have signed this large named players, Sean Smith to be one, the team has added valuable depth, enough so to create safety nets. The front 3 are kept intact, but the backers were shaken up a bit and the secondary was basically replaced. Does increased depth, mean better production? In my book it does, but that differs for others. Unfortunately, I lack the ability to get these "Advanced" stats because most sites require a fee... Of which I lack the funds to pay for... Thus, you guys get my opinions on these changes, and no stats to back it up as of now. You can expect a post before the Preseason of stats to backup my opinions, however.
D-Line: (2012)
Calais Campbell
Dan Williams
Darnell Dockett
Vonnie Holliday
David Carter
Nick Eason
Ronald Talley
Ricky Lumpkin
Ronald Talley
Additions: Everrette Thompson, Padric Scott, Matt Shaugnessy & Frostee Rucker
Notes: The top three guys remain the same, but we replaced aging vets with younger guys. While neither Shaugnessy and Rucker having played in a 3-4 scheme, they provide depth that they can come fill in when Dockett and Campbell need breathers. The Cardinals are still looking at other options, most noted former Saints DT, Sedrick Ellis. Thompson is a long shot to make the roste, but Padric Scott could sneak in there somehow.
Linebackers: (2012)
Sam Acho
Daryl Washington
Paris Lenon
O'Brien Schofield
Zach Nash
Stewart Bradley
Reggie Walker
Quentin Groves
Additions: Lorenzo Alexander (OLB), Daniel Giordano (OLB), Kenny Demens (ILB), Kevin Minter (ILB), Jasper Brinkely (ILB), Karlos Dansby (ILB), Korey Jones (ILB), Alex Okafor (OLB)
Notes: Paris Lenon was the starter for three years in Arizona, following the departure of Karlos Dansby. His play fell considerably in 2012, but due to Ray Hortons love for him, he remained the starter opposite of Daryl Washington. Bradley was given a massive contract and didn't even play up to it, sitting behind Lenon, and ultimately Reggie Walker in 2012. Quentin Groves was an amazing tale in Arizona. An outcast in Oakland, he came to the desert seeking rebirth and found it. It was unlikely that he would remain in Arizona, following Ray Hortons departure for the Cleveland Browns. We replaced him with Lorenzo Alexander, a stop gap and an upgrade over the continuously injured O'Brien Schofield, until 4th round selection Alex Okafor is ready to go. Jasper Brinkley, Karlos Dansby, and Kevin Minter, are all immediate upgrades over Paris Lenon, and the duo of Dansby and Brinkley is dangerous until Daryl Washington can return.
Defensive Backs: (2012)
Patrick Peterson (Starter)
Adrian Wilson (Starter)
Kerry Rhodes (Starter)
William Gay (Starter)
James Sanders
Rashad Johnson
Jamell Flemming
Greg Toler
Michael Adams
Justin Bethel
Additions: Javon Harris (S), Tyrann Mathieu (S), Yeremiah Bell (S), Jonathon Amaya (S), Curtis Taylor (S), Tony Jefferson (S), Jerraud Powers (CB), Javier Arenas (CB), Antoine Cason (CB), Bryan McCann (CB)
Notes: The loss of Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes were significant, but the loss of Wilson isn't fixable. Johnson was already filling in for Wilson much of the latter half of the season, following A-Dub's demotion. We knew the end was coming and questioned whether a release was inevitable. Bell is a downgrade from Rhodes by far, and possibly only a first half starter, until Tony Jefferson, Tyrann Mathieu, or even Javon