Bear Breakdown: Analyzing the Cardinals’ Defense for Week 16

After the Cardinals started the season 4-0, many wondered if they were a legitimate threat in the NFC West, but their offense continued to struggle and the team has gone 1-9 in their last 10 games. Offensively, the Cardinals are a mess.  Various quarterbacks have found their way in and out of the lineup, their offensive line has been beat up, and their running game has struggled to find a rhythm. The defense has been one of the few bright spots of this team and heading into their week 16 matchup against the Bears, they ranked 11th in total defense and fourth against the pass. Their pass defense starts with arguably one of the best shutdown corners in the NFL, Patrick Peterson. He is one of the bigger cornerbacks in the league, standing 6’1″ and weighing nearly 220 pounds, and he will pose a difficult matchup for Brandon Marshall. Peterson’s great speed and athleticism give him the ability to take risks without forcing himself completely out of position.  He has seven interceptions o...