Cardinals don't expect turnover to alter defensive production
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Among the questions the Arizona Cardinals not only hope but expect to answer during training camp is that the defense once again can be one of the best in the league.
The Cardinals were the fifth-toughest team to score on last season and No. 13 against the run.
But that was before a chunk of the roster was turned over during the offseason and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles left to become the Jets head coach.
Cornerback Antonio Cromartie followed Bowles to New York, nose tackle Dan Williams signed with the Raiders, Tommy Kelly retired and middle linebacker Larry Foote joined the coaching staff.
That is a lot to replace in one training camp and maintain the status quo. But those who must do so believe it can and will be done.
"There's a lot of things we can't wait to get on the field for to show the world we're the real deal," said All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson, one of several players to mention "top 5 defense" as a goal.
The return to health of Peterson -- whose Type 2 diabetes led to sluggishness and weight gain last season but is under control now he said Monday -- and safety Tyrann Mathieu will play a big role in such proclamations. But the Cardinals also expect the additions of free agents Sean Weatherspoon at linebacker and Cory Redding and Corey Peters along the line and second-round draft pick Markus Golden at outside linebacker to more than fill voids.
"Corey Peters, I can't wait for you guys to see what he's about to do," defensive end Calais Campbell said. "He looks so good in practice.
"We have a lot of new guys but a lot of us are the same, guys who've been in the system."
The system was Bowles' the past two years. But also in that system was James Bettcher, who takes over as defensive coordinator after two seasons coaching the outside linebackers.
Bettcher will call the schemes but it will be on the players to execute them. Campbell, Peterson and Mathieu will be the lynchpins. Head coach Bruce Arians said Campbell should dominate every play.
"I like it," Campbell said in response. "I've been working very hard to be ready and put together my best season and help this team win.
"I want to win the Super Bowl and I know for us to that I have to go out there and produce. That would be the pinnacle, but I know right now, for me, I want to be dominant every play, be disruptive every play. I don't have to make every tackle or get every sack. But be disruptive every play, make sure I'm affecting my plan on the offensive line than they are on me."
Peterson expects the secondary to be just as disruptive, especially in forcing turnovers.
"We've been talking all offseason and we believe if we're out there doing what we need to do we'll have a great chance to win a ballgame," Peterson said of his conversations with Mathieu. "We're the cornerstones of the defense in playmaking. Everybody has the ability but all eyes are on us to make that play. We're kind of the spark plugs of the defense.
"The secondary, I believe, is always going to be the heart and soul of the defense, in my opinion. Everything runs through us. The linebackers, the D-line can make a mistake all day long and you could never see it. But if we make a mistake, if somebody gets behind us the band is playing or it's a top 10 play on ESPN. We have to make sure that we're always on the same page as far as communication. I'm excited to see what type of rankings we're going to take, as far as passing yards allowed and things like that. I just think this year everybody is just so tuned in and focused that this probably be the best year for our secondary since I've been here."
For his part, Redding has only seen this group during offseason workouts and through a couple days in training camp, but he too projects big things.
"The sky is the limit," the 13-year veteran said. "It all depends on the mindset and the work you put it. Being top 5 and even No. 1 doesn't happen in December; it happens now, and that has to be the mindset."
EXTRA POINTS
-- The Cardinals on Monday activated TE Jermaine Gresham (back) from the physically unable to perform list and TE Troy Niklas (hamstring) from the non-football injury list. Both still are at least a week away from fully competing in practice, Arians said, but they can participate in morning walkthroughs now, which should be especially helpful for Gresham in his first season in the offense.
-- Monday's afternoon practice was the first in full pads, which was most welcomes but the offensive and defensive lines. "It's a chance to set the tone for the season," Campbell said. "You can do a lot in shorts but it's different when you put the pads on and have to be physical."
-- Weatherspoon (hamstring) and RBs Andre Ellington (hamstring) and David Johnson (hamstring) also did not practice. Arians said none of the injuries are considered serious.
-- Former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and radio analyst Ron Wolfley will host the NFL Network's live coverage at the team's practice from 2-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
