2. Figuring out if Vance Joseph is the answer moving forward

It has been a tough year for the Arizona Cardinals defense.

First, they suffered an untimely suspension to All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson for six games for a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Second, their reserve cornerback Robert Alford suffered a leg injury early in the season and was placed on IR with no determined timetable to return.

The Cardinals have some serious talent at some positions. Linebacker Jordan Hicks currently leads the NFL in tackles with 111 including three interceptions which ties New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins for most at the position. Safety Budda Baker also ranks at No. 3 with 96 tackles. Linebacker Chandler Jones leads the NFL in sacks with 12.5 and could be a lock for the 2020 Pro Bowl. Rookie Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. has been highly serviceable while being thrust into the fire due to the Alford injury and Peterson’s suspension. Murphy Jr. only has a 50.5 grade from Pro Football Focus but he made their list of top-25 cornerbacks in Week 5.

The problem is that the talent has not translated into a talented team defense.

The Cardinals currently rank No. 29 in scoring defense allowing 28.8 points per game and No. 31 in yards per game allowed. Their weakness is defending tight ends where they have allowed 846 yards and 12 touchdowns to the position which is good for worst in the league.

That all lies on the plate of Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

The Cardinals defense is consistently missing assignments and looking confused as to who they are supposed to guard. This leads to many of the big plays given up by the defense as they also lead the NFL with the most 20 yard or more plays allowed with 50.

While there are no particular changes imminent, if the Cardinals fail to adjust to offenses with the talent that they have, this might be a one-and-done year for the former Denver Broncos head coach.

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