5 Arizona Cardinals Who Must Step Up vs. Lions
By Shaun Church
Left Tackle Jared Veldheer
Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tackle Jared Veldheer (68) against the Philadelphia Eagles at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
He wasn’t terrible against the Rams, but Jared Veldheer struggled some to hold off St. Louis’ ferocious edge rush. This week, his assignment is blocking up-and-coming defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, who has 10 quarterback pressures in four games, including a team-high four sacks.
Not only is Ansah a talented pass-rusher, he also is one of the best run defenders at his position. Pro Football Focus ranks him third among 4-3 defensive ends in defending the run through Week 4.
Avoiding a repeat of last week when quarterback Carson Palmer was sacked four times and pressured on 42.0 percent of his dropbacks begins with the blind side. Veldheer must hold off Ansah and anyone else coming off the edge toward his quarterback.
Next: The man pulling the strings