Arizona Cardinals Top Five Position Battles
Battle for Both Safety Spots: Tyrann Mathieu versus Rashad Johnson and Deone Bucannon versus Tony Jefferson
Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) and safety Deone Bucannon (36) against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Free safety Rashad Johnson started all 16 games, led the team with four interceptions and was second on the team with 92 tackles last season. Johnson is also a very vocal leader on the defense, and it is hard to imagine him not seeing a ton of playing time once again this coming season.
That being said, the Cardinals are loaded with talent at both safety positions, and they need to find ways to get everyone involved. Tyrann Mathieu is the most obvious competitor for Johnson, as his coverage skills and pure play-making ability is forcing the Cardinals to continue to give him more playing time. Mathieu has also shown the ability to play slot corner, so he will likely continue to see some time there, but he will push Johnson for playing time at free safety as well.
2014 first-round pick Deone Bucannon entered the league as a traditional in-the-box strong safety. He saw a lot of time last season as a nickel linebacker for the Cardinals, and that could certainly continue this season. However, Bucannon is a very talented player who will also push for playing time at the strong safety position.
Tony Jefferson will battle Bucannon for playing time at strong safety. Jefferson played a lot at the position last year, and he brings nice athleticism and a very physical style to the fold. Jefferson is a player who can be a decent starter or a very good back-up. He is a very nice guy to have around, but is probably not going to force Bucannon to the bench anytime soon.
With these four players, the Cardinals have great talent at the safety position. Mathieu’s ability to play the slot and Bucannon’s success as a nickel linebacker will help get all four more playing time, but they will not all be able to play all of the time. While the Cardinals tend to have one free safety and one strong safety in at a time; against high-powered passing attacks, I would not be surprised to see both Mathieu and Johnson lining up deep as coverage safeties.
Having too much talent is always a good problem to have, and the versatility certainly helps. That being said, they cannot play them all each and every snap. These safety position battles will be fierce.
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