When it comes to playing time with the Arizona Cardinals, the player most pay attention to is running back David Johnson, who has seen his role change from workhorse to backup. However, there has been a player on defense who has gradually seen his role decrease.
Linebacker Haason Reddick, who was playing 100 percent of the team’s defensive snaps earlier in the season, has now been benched as of Week 13.
Reddick has continued to struggle with the nuances of playing inside linebacker. He was replaced by Joe Walker a few weeks ago in base defensive packages, leaving Reddick to play in sub packages. The idea was to utilize his athleticism and coverage skills, but he has struggled in coverage as well.
On Sunday, Walker played every defensive snap. Reddick did not even play in nickel. He did play one defensive snap at the goalline. What happened? He was to defend tight end Tyler Higbee. Higbee scored a touchdown.
What motivated the change in the defensive lineup?
“We wanted to reward Joe,” coach Kliff Kingsbury said after the game. “We feel like he’s played better, understanding our system, and the last few weeks has made big strides.”
Reddick has been benched now two seasons in a row. He was replaced early last season before earning more playing time late in the year.
The former first-round pick has not developed as the team has hoped. It is at the point that perhaps there is no hope that he will be much more than a complementary player.
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