Cardinals DC Nick Rallis should consider playing more 4-3 defensive schemes in 2025
The Arizona Cardinals roster is loaded at the defensive linemen position as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. Thus, defensive coordinator Nick Rallis may want to sequence in more 4-3 and nickel personnel groups to allow for the strength of his front four to cause more disruption at the line of scrimmage.
Free agent additions Calais Campbell and Dalvin Thompson will accompany sophomore Darius Robinson and Dante Stills, who finished 2024 with 4.5 sacks. Obviously, the Cardinals will need to be more physical and forceful on defense to keep opponents off schedule. The Cardinals were dismal at getting off the field on third down last season, ranking 28th in opponent third-down conversion rate.
Rallis also needs to process that the Cardinals allowed an average of 126 rush yards per game last season, a hint towards an obvious disadvantage with their 3-4 scheme. With smaller linebackers, the Cardinals were having a tough time halting opponents in the ground attack, so adjustments may benefit the team defense moving forward.
Ultimately, Gannon is working to revamp the team playbook. Perhaps the installation of more 4-3 may be a part of Gannon's renovation.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
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