Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Hicks will be one of the team’s most important defensive players in 2019, as he is the quarterback of the defense. He gets the calls from defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and relays them to the players on the field.
His understanding of the defense has to be very high. But learning a new defense like he is now with the Cardinals is nothing new.
Hicks told reporters last week that his last three years with the Philadelphia Eagles were the longest he had played in any defense, dating back to high school.
“The fact that I think I have that understanding and have seen a lot helps me a lot,” he said. “For me, it’s more about concepts. You go anywhere, defensive concepts are pretty similar. The terminology is probably the hardest thing you have to understand, so getting out there and getting chemistry with the guys is what we’re working the most on.”
Arizona changed defenses in 2018, going from James Bettcher’s 3-4 defense to Steve Wilks’ 4-3 scheme. They will run a Wade Phillips-influenced 3-4 defense this season under Vance Joseph.
If all goes well, Hicks will be playing in this scheme for several years.
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