A constant theme of the Arizona Cardinals offseason has been the jump players are expected to take in Year 2 after their rookie season.
This, of course, is nothing new. In the NFL, it’s been widely known for years that’s where players make the biggest improvement in their careers, especially when there is consistency in the offensive or defensive schemes.
Front and center this year for the Cardinals is linebacker Owen Pappoe, a fifth-round pick in 2023. He had three tackles (two solo) in 34 snaps (49 percent) against the Saints and then had an interception returned for a touchdown off Colts quarterback Joe Flacco in Wednesday’s joint practice.
Pappoe told reporters following practice that after the 2023 season ended, head coach Jonathan Gannon and the staff challenged all the rookies to focus on making that second-year growth.
Asked if Pappoe has done that, Gannon said, “Absolutely. He’s playing good football right now. I think that he’s a guy that stands out that was ascending throughout the entire year and then he got some clock later in the year. Continued to get better in practice and then in games. And I really feel like there was no dropoff when we got back here. He picked up where he left off, which was a better level than he was playing at. And I think he’s risen that level up too.
“I’m sure he’d want some plays back (from Week 1), but I think his level of understanding of what (defensive coordinator) Nick (Rallis) and (linebacker coach) Sam (Siefkes) are asking the details of playing that position for us; what that looks like. Just fundamentals and technique, being in the right spot. Obviously, the skillset’s there. He looks good, he’s running around making plays, he’s in the right spot and he’s got high motor and high violence, so it’s good to see him go.”
Pappoe said, “Being with the same staff, it’s just like recall. Feel way faster on the field. A lot more improved because speed is a big part my game, but I was thinking a lot last year so it made me play slow at certain points. Being second time going through the system, I’m able to show my speed even more. Got a year of experience learning from my guys like K(yzir)White and Krys Barnes and it’s showing on the field.”
As for the interception, Pappoe said, “Tried to bait him a little bit. Didn’t even see me coming and had a really good break and I took it to the crib. Felt really good.”
He further explained, “I’ve been working with my trainer. We’ve worked on that exact way, the same drill that we worked on all the time. I’ve got to send him the clip so he’s going to be real happy about that one. It just feels real great seeing the hard work pay off.”
Now, we’ll see if he can build on that in Saturday’s game.
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