Top Five Arizona Cardinals Stories Of 2014

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) intercepts a pass and runs it back 30 yards for a touchdown as middle linebacker Larry Foote (50) looks on during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Defense Is Their Calling Card

Everyone knows about all the injuries on the offensive side of the ball but the defense has suffered just as many bites from the injury bug.

Injuries and suspension have also decimated the defense, especially in the front seven.  John Abraham was a late arrival at camp after dealing with an offseason DUI. He was ready to go at the beginning of the season but after the Cardinals week one victory over the San Diego Chargers was placed on IR to deal with issues stemming from a concussion among other issues.

Darnell Dockett suffered a torn ACL during training that prematurely ended his season dealing a huge blow to the defensive line.

Even younger players like defensive end Ed Stinson and Eddie Whitley suffered season ending injuries that whittled away at the depth chart.

Despite all of the injuries, the defensive unit not only held it together but became the calling card of the Arizona Cardinals.  The Cardinals play a bend but don’t break style of defense that lives and dies by the blitz.

Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles has employed a system of blitz packages to help contain the opponents running game. The success of the system has been due to stellar play from the secondary  who has had to play on an island for mush of the season and has had success producing takeaways and getting big defensive plays at key points in the game.

The 2014 Cardinals that a good defensive scheme executed well by the players can help a team overcome a lot of deficits.  We are about to find out whether the Bowles defense can inspire more success in the playoffs.

Next: Cardinals Overcome Adversity To Make Playoffs