A Test for Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph:

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has been under fire by the media all season. It hit its peak following their second loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The 9ers seemed to be playing for overtime when Vance Joseph called an all-out-blitz that left the NFL’s sack leader Chandler Jones in coverage on a receiving back. The result was a game-winning touchdown for the 49ers.

The remaining five games will be telling for Joseph’s future with the Cardinals. The pass defense has been abysmal for the majority of the year, with an emphasis on an inability to cover opposing tight ends. This was illustrated when 49ers TE Ross Dwelley scored two touchdowns in which he was left wide open. George Kittle’s absence in the Cardinals’ last game didn’t seem to make much of a difference.

If the defense sees improvement across these last few games, the Cardinals will likely keep Joseph as their coordinator in 2020. He’s had two weeks to make adjustments and improvements. If the same problems reoccur, however, the Cardinals may find themselves moving on from a coordinator for the second year in a row.

There is certainly some talent for Joseph to work with. Budda Baker has Pro-Bowl votes flying in. Chandler Jones is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Jordan Hicks has been fantastic and is looking like a Pro-Bowl lock.  Rodney Gunter and Corey Peters are both rock-solid players for the Cardinals. However, many of the other starters are definite question marks.

Vance Joseph has had the chance to make adjustments. If the defense doesn’t show improvement against a struggling Rams offense, there will certainly be question marks about his future with the team.

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