The Arizona Cardinals are returning to a 3-4 defense after one season of a 4-3. It is a change many are excited about. One who could see a boost in production is outside linebacker Chandler Jones.
He had a fine season on 2018, collecting 13 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
However, he has thinned down again after putting on weight to play as a defensive lineman with his hand in the dirt. According to AZCardinals.com’s Kyle Odegard, Jones entered training camp last year at 280 and now is at 255. That is roughly his playing weight from 2017.
He likes the idea of going back to OLB and thinning down. Why?
“I know the last time I played outside linebacker, I led the NFL in sacks,” Jones said, per Odegard.
He led the league in sacks, tackles for loss and QB hits. Essentially, no one else in the league was more disruptive behind the line of scrimmage.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph likes running a 3-4 because a pass rusher like Jones will not always simply be lined up against the opposing team’s left tackle. He will sometimes be blocked by a tight end or running back, which is an advantage for Jones.
Having a future Hall of Famer like Terrell Suggs on the other side will help as well. Perhaps Jones will see fewer double teams. And if not, then it means sacks for Suggs or others to have.
Just how big a season can Jones have? His goal is always to do better. He had 13 last year. He had 17 the year prior. Can he get to 20?
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