The Arizona Cardinals played 71 defensive snaps on Sunday in their 27-21 victory over the New York Giants. How was the playing time divided up and what does it mean?
Defensive line
Corey Peters, 51; Rodney Gunter, 39; Jonathan Bullard, 33; Zach Kerr, 13; Clinton McDonald, 6
Michael Dogbe was inactive this week, the first time in a few weeks. Bullard and Gunter played fewer snaps than normal. McDonald has now apparently fallen to the back of the rotation. Kerr, the newcomer, played double the snaps McDonald did.
Linebacker
Jordan Hicks, 71; Haason Reddick, 64; Chandler Jones, 63; Terrell Suggs, 50; Cassius Marsh, 25; Brooks Reed, 11; Joe Walker, 7
Walker started the game instead of Reddick. He apparently has earned some time, albeit limited. Walker appeared to be used in base sets and Reddick in nickel. As we will see in the defensive backs, he played the same as Tramaine Brock. It would appear the Cardinals were in nickel for 64 of the 71 defensive snaps. The Cardinals used three edge rushers on seven snaps, as they do sometimes.
Defensive backs
Budda Baker, 71; Patrick Peterson, 71; Byron Murphy, 71; Deionte Thompson, 64; Tramaine Brock, 64; Jalen Thompson, 7
Both Thompsons previously had been almost splitting exactly the playing time. Jalen started the game and apparently has the role of base safety. Deionte plays in nickel. We will see if this rotation continues. Brock now comes in off the bench to play only inside.
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