The Arizona Cardinals played 60 defensive snaps in their 17-13 preseason opening win Thursday night. How was the playing time divided up? Let’s go through the defensive snap counts and what they meant.
Defensive linemen
Miles Brown, 39; Terrell McClain, 27; Michael Dogbe, 23; Sterling Bailey, 20; Rodney Gunter, 11; Darius Philon, 8; Corey Peters, 8; Zach Allen, 6
Gunter played only five snaps with the first team at defensive end because he subbed out when they went nickel. His other six snaps were with the second team, getting some work at nose tackle. The most interesting part of this is that Allen only got six snaps the entire game. He played less than any of the other draft picks who suited up for the game.
Outside linebacker
Vontarrius Dora, 23; Cameron Malveaux, 21; Brooks Reed, 17; Pete Roberston, 16; Andre Branch, 15; Pita Taumoepenu, 12; Terrell Suggs, 8; Chandler Jones, 8
There is nothing really surprising here. It was Reed and Branch who started with the second unit.
Inside linebackers
Dennis Gardeck, 34; Zeke Turner, 30; Tanner Vallejo, 27; Hayes Pullard, 14; Jordan Hicks, 8; Dante Booker, 7
Gardeck got work with both the first and second units. He played a lot and played well.
Cornerback
Deatrick Nichols, 41; Nate Brooks, 39; Chris Jones, 38; Patrick Peterson, 8; Robert Alford, 8; Tramaine Brock, 3
Nichols played inside and outside. Brock played little because he was the team’s nickel corner and of the eight snaps the first team was in the game.
Safety
Deionte Thompson, 31; Jalen Thompson, 28; Jonathan Owens, 21; Rudy Ford, 21; Tyler Sigler, 19; D.J. Swearinger, 8; Budda Baker, 8; Josh Shaw, 5
Shaw left with an injury and it was supplemental pick Jalen Thompson, not fifth-round pick Deionte Thompson, who entered the game. Owens got extensive work in the slot.
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