The Detroit Lions just absolutely torched the Arizona Cardinals, hanging a brutal 45-21 loss on them this past weekend. Any time a team rolls up close to 50 points on your squad, you know you’ve got a massive problem. And this isn’t an isolated incident either. Outside of a 26-14 win over the struggling Los Angeles Chargers on opening weekend, Arizona’s defense has been bleeding points, surrendering 31, 36, 36, and now 45 points in their other matchups. This mess is making a lot of fans, and probably the front office, wonder if it’s finally time to pull the plug on defensive coordinator Nick Rallis.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: A League-High Disaster
It’s ugly, folks. The Cardinals have coughed up a league-high 162 points in just five games. Think about that for a second: every team dreams of *scoring* an average of 32.4 points per game. For Arizona’s defense, allowing that many is currently their grim reality. Their 1-4-0 record tells the whole story, a direct result of their complete inability to keep opponents out of the end zone. One fan on social media summed it up perfectly: “Our offense will be fine under Lafleur. Our defense needs a new DC!” It’s hard to argue with that when you look at the raw statistics.
Pass Rush Problems and Run Defense Woes
Let’s break down where this defense is just getting absolutely shredded. Against the pass, it’s a horror show. They’ve allowed the most passing touchdowns in the league with 14. They’re tied for third-worst with only 3 interceptions, ranked dead last at #32 in passing yards gained per attempt at 9.1, and have the second-worst defensive ranking at a staggering 117.2. Opponents are converting first downs at a scary 41.7% clip, the third-greatest conversion ratio allowed. And big plays? Forget about it. They’ve given up the fourth most plays of 20+ yards (18) and the fourth most plays of 40+ yards (3). Even their sack numbers are only #14 with 11. It’s not much better against the run. While they’re ranked #9 in total rushing yards (633) and rushing attempts (144) allowed, they’re tied for #4 in most rushing touchdowns allowed (6) and tied for #10 in yards per carry average (4.4), plus allowed the tenth most first downs via the run (35). Overall, FOX Sports pegs Arizona’s defense at #26, with their pass defense at #25 and run defense at #23. Against the Lions, the defense actually started strong with three straight three-and-outs, but then it was a total “jailbreak,” with Detroit pouring on six touchdowns and a field goal. They dropped 24 points in the second quarter alone and another 14 in the third. Huge passing gains were rampant, and the pass rush was nowhere to be found, with only DT Roy Lopez getting any real pressure and having a decent game against the run.
Coach LaFleur Is Pissed, And So Should Cardinals Fans Be
After that shellacking from the Lions, Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur didn’t just seem disappointed; the man was absolutely pissed off in the postgame press conference. He laid it out plain and simple about the defensive effort: “Obviously, not good enough. I know we’re better than that, but that doesn’t mean s*** right now.” Here’s the kicker: LaFleur and Rallis had no prior working connection before Rallis was brought on. LaFleur has spent his career mostly along the West Coast, while Rallis came up primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. That lack of established trust or shared history could become a big deal if this defensive nightmare continues. Cardinals fans have to be looking for answers, and with stats like these, the pressure is mounting big time on Nick Rallis to turn things around, and fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Revenge of the Birds.
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