The Arizona Cardinals had the league’s worst run defense in 2018. That was supposed to be fixed with a return to a 3-4 defense and the personnel to run it. However, in their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, they gave up 179 rushing yards.
Is it a concern?
While fans might be a little worried, the players inside the building are not concerned at the moment.
“It’s Week 1 of the preseason,” said linebacker Jordan Hicks after practice on Tuesday. “We’re learning. We’re taking the steps. That’s what this preseason is about. Nobody’s hitting the panic mode button. Nobody’s worried.”
He isn’t just being nonchalant about the notion of stopping the run, thinking it will automatically get better.
“We understand we’ve got to get it fixed,” he said. “At the end of the day, nobody’s worried. We’re taking it one step at a time, one day at a time.”
He noted that not game planning for teams affects the outcome.
Some might think that facing the Cardinals’ presumed pass-heavy offense could also contribute to not being ready to defend the run.
“That’s no excuse for a team to run on us,” Hicks responded.
“A lot of that is just attitude and want-to,” he added. “We’ve got to have the right fits but we’ve also got to be physical at the point of attack.”
It will be something to watch as the Cardinals take on the Raiders Thursday night and as the preseason progresses.
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