The Cardinals had one of the best defensive units in the NFL In 2013 and they’ve managed to keep it going in spite of losing their best linebacker, pass rusher and interior defensive lineman.
Linebacker Daryl Washington (suspension) and Darnell Dockett (knee) haven’t played a game this season and defensive end John Abraham (concussion) lasted just 37 plays. Yet Arizona’s defense is among the NFL leaders in points (tied for second), interception rate (third), red-zone percentage (fourth), first downs allowed (tied for fourth), rushing yards per play (fifth) and third-down percentage (seventh).
The Cardinals limited the Seahawks to 293 yards and one touchdown during a 19-3 road loss on Sunday.
“Yeah, we lost some players but the scheme hasn’t changed,” Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson said. “The good thing about our front office is they do a great job of putting guys in place to where if the (starter) does get injured there’s not a lack of production or a drop off with the guy backing that guy up.”
In May the NFL suspended Washington for the 2014 season for violating the substance abuse policy. Dockett suffered a season-ending injury in August. Abraham was placed on injured reserve following Week 1 with a concussion after he had missed most of training camp while attending an alcohol rehabilitation program.
Abraham, who played for the Falcons from 2006-2012, led the Cardinals with 11.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2013. Without him the Cardinals have slipped from 10th to 17th in league sack percentage.
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