The Cardinals appear to have figured a few things out defensively in the last couple of weeks. Their play against the passing game has improved and they have made enough plays to actually win games.

After spending most of the season at the bottom of league rankings in many categories, they have climbed out of the bottom in most.

In the Cardinals’ recent two-game winning streak, two things stand out on defense that have changed.

Terrell Suggs’ departure

As great as Suggs has been in his career and with the numbers he put up early in the season, his play declined significantly thereafter. He did not register a single tackle or QB hit in the two games prior to his release.

Replacing him with a combination of Cassius Marsh and Haason Reddick has changed things. Now, Chandler Jones is rushing the passer more and has five sacks in his last two games, while the combination of Marsh and Reddick has produced 11 tackles (one for loss), a sack and two quarterback hits.

Patrick Peterson’s turnaround

The other notable thing that changed was the quality of Peterson’s play. He earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for his play against the Cleveland Browns, limiting Odell Beckham Jr. to 66 yards on 13 targets and picking off a pass.

His primary assignment against the Seahawks was rookie receiver DK Metcalf. Metcalf was targeted only once and did not have a catch.

He appears to be playing with more confidence and swagger. The pass defense is noticeably better and it permeates throughout the defense.

It makes one think that if Peterson can start next season that way, the defense might actually be just fine moving forward.

Between Peterson’s play and the production of the outside linebackers now that Suggs isn’t on the field, the Cardinals have a real chance of upsetting the Rams in Week 17 and winning their third straight game.

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Sub scribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 253:

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Ep. 252:

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