The Arizona Cardinals have struggled on defense all season in 2019. When the season began, it was expected, especially during the first six games when cornerback Patrick Peterson was out with a suspension.
However, the pass defense has not improved since his return. In fact, since he returned to the starting lineup, the pass defense has gotten worse statistically.
Here are the numbers:
- In games 1-6, the Cardinals allowed an opponent completion percentage of 71%, 281.2 net passing yards per game and 16 touchdowns. Overall, they allowed 171 points.
- In games 7-12, opponents have completed 71.5% of their passes for an average of 338.3 net passing yards per game and 15 touchdowns. They have given up 180 points in those six games.
It isn’t fair to say that Peterson is the reason why the defense has gotten worse. However, a player of Peterson’s caliber should mean that his return would improve things.
It hasn’t.
In fact, the fact that Kliff Kingsbury has said that Peterson has been “a work in progress” is concerning. A supposed future Hall of Famer should not be going through some of the struggles he has gone through.
Peterson being on the field should mean the defense is better. So far this season, the defense has gotten worse since his return.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
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