How the Arizona Cardinals can win the NFC West in 2020
1. A standout season from rookie Isaiah Simmons and the defense.
Talk about a player who could cure what ails the Arizona defense? Here is part of NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein’s analysis on Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons.
"“Ascending hybrid talent with rare length, speed and versatility to create mismatches for the offense, depending upon alignment. He has a bachelor’s at three positions (slot corner, safety, linebacker) but could earn a master’s degree in complex workload with a more focused and defined job description than “jack-of-all-trades.” He can handle zone or man coverage from a variety of spots on the field, which gives defensive coordinators a chance to disguise blitz packages and exotic post-snap looks…”"
This past season, Vance Joseph’s unit allowed the most total yards in the league and the second-most passing yards in the NFL. Despite a respectable 40 sacks (19 by play-making outside linebacker Chandler Jones), the Cards allowed a whopping 38 touchdown passes — 16 by tight ends, five by running backs and one by Saints’ quarterback Taysom Hill.
Next. 10 potential Fantasy Football busts getting overhyped. dark
In free agency, general manager Steve Keim added defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (Bills) and linebackers Devon Kennard (Lions) and De’Vondre Campbell (Falcons). Along with Simmons, the Cardinals used four of their six draft choices on this side of the ball. Joseph’s defense must make a huge leap this season.