Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was initially scrutinized by fans after the team had an abysmal defense in 2019. Part of this was due to scheme issues, but more so a lack of talent on that side of the ball.
Since then, Joseph’s defense has continuously improved until at one point last season, they were easily a top-five unit in the league. When the Cardinals had a healthy J.J. Watt paired with Chandler Jones up front, the team was elite at taking the ball away.
Pro Football Focus released their top defensive playcallers in the NFL and Joseph did not make the cut.
Joseph is highly regarded in the league circles as he received serious head coach considerations by the Miami Dolphins prior to hiring Mike McDaniel. When healthy last season, his defense was one of the best. Still, he did not make the list.
Those included in this list included Leslie Frazier, Dan Quinn, Dennis Allen, Raheem Morris, Josh Boyer and Joe Berry.
Part of the defensive improvement since Joseph’s hiring is certainly the improved personnel. This year, however, the defense lost a few key pieces and the front office has yet to replace them. Joseph’s ability to maintain continuity without the likes of Chandler Jones, Jordan Hicks and potentially Robert Alford.
Joseph’s main criticism from some fans has been his lack of using the team’s previous two first-round selections during their rookie years, those being linebackers Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons. In last year’s playoff game against the Rams, both were seemingly limited in playing time.
The Cardinals are going to need Joseph to help replicate the successes from last season, possibly without a No. 1 edge rusher and other question marks on the roster.
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