Can Cardinals Overcome the Dark Start to Their Season?

The Blame Game

The Cardinals’ defensive struggles have been consistent in one area: their pass defense. Their pass defense allows the second-most first downs of any team. Their pass rush should share some blame for this. Pass rush has a lot to do with blitz schemes and the different stunts the defensive line presents. Rallis should rethink his playcalling if the scheme needs adjustment to generate more pressure.

Arizona’s secondary hasn’t played top-notch either, as it has allowed the tenth most passing yards per game. They have consistently allowed multiple big plays in the pass game, including this past Sunday against the New York Giants and Malik Nabers.

With all defenses, it starts in the trenches. We know the Cardinals’ pass rush has been near the worst in the league. Usually, when the pass rush isn’t effective, it leaves far too much time for receivers to get open. According to journalist Chuck Harris, this is true for the Cardinals. This is a contributing factor in the secondary’s turmoil.

Making Necessary Improvements

All successful defenses win the trench battle. Not only has the Cardinals’ pass rush struggled, but their run defense has been just as bad. The Cardinals allowed the third-most first downs on rush attempts, with 34. The defensive line has to create more instability for offenses by being more productive.

When it comes to improving the roster, the Cardinals should not look at the quarterback position in the 2027 draft. This offense has produced good numbers against good defenses, while Arizona’s defense has been underperforming.

Multiple analysts point to the Cardinals taking a quarterback, but it can’t be overstated how badly Arizona needs a premier pass rusher, a force on the edge.

Head coach Mike LaFluer has acknowledged the defense and specifically discussed the challenge Cam Skattebo posed to the team. “He’s a load. We’ve got our hands full… I’m glad I don’t have to tackle him.” The Cardinals were able to contain Skattebo, but allowed Jameis Winston to find holes in the defense.

One Step at a Time

The Cardinals didn’t only lose to the New York Giants; they lost to themselves. Throughout the course of the game, Arizona shot themselves in the foot. This was due to sloppy penalties and multiple turnovers. Jacoby Brissett capped off their ugly performance by throwing an interception inside the Giants’ 5-yard line, wasting an opportunity to take the lead in the final seconds.

The Cardinals were put through the Jameis Winston experience this past weekend. “He’s not afraid to throw it in tight windows,” Cardinals linebacker Jack Gibbens stated earlier this week about Winston, and he wasn’t wrong. Winston consistently took risks through the air, but Arizona couldn’t capitalize. The Cardinals dropped to 1-3 after losing in New York.

Given the Cardinals’ situation, there isn’t much Arizona can do drastically to improve the defense. The roster has holes, and the scheme they are working with might not be the best. Expect the Cardinals to use more blitz schemes in the coming weeks to generate more pressure. The Cardinals are 25th in blitz rate, moving them up four spots from last week.

Arizona heads back home to face one of the most consistent offenses in the league. The Detroit Lions are coming off a tough loss against the Carolina Panthers, but their offense still looked very polished. The Cardinals’ defense will have an enormous task trying to contain not just Jahmyr Gibbs, but also the various receivers Jared Goff targets.

The Cardinals will need to take this season one week at a time, and aim to improve in as many areas as possible. The biggest changes won’t happen until the offseason, but the offense has looked exciting so far. Fans have a lot to look forward to, especially given the way Jeremiyah Love performed against the 49ers.

Nick Rallis and the coaching staff have to make schematic changes to make Arizona competitive in the gauntlet that lies ahead. The offense under Mike Lafluer has looked good, but the team needs to have consistency on both sides of the ball. It’s been a dark start to the 2026 season for Cardinals fans, but there is still hope to be found in Arizona.