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In this episode of Locked On Cardinals, Alex Clancy concludes his “Trust/Can’t Trust” mini-series focused on the Arizona Cardinals’ defense. While last week covered what you could trust on offense and defense, today is all about the defensive position groups and coaching staff that remain unreliable as the team heads into the offseason.
Alex Clancy breaks down why, despite the significant resources invested last offseason, the Cardinals’ pass rush continues to be inconsistent. He analyzes the impact of injuries to key players like Walter Nolan and Mac Wilson, discusses the lack of depth behind their lone reliable rusher Josh Sweat, and stresses the urgency to add another proven veteran and draft help to the defensive front.
Next, the show shifts to the defensive back room, where Alex Clancy candidly explains why you can’t trust the group as a whole, even though Budda Baker remains a constant. With injuries plaguing nearly every starter—from Jalen Thompson and Will Johnson to Garrett Williams and Max Melton—the DB group is full of question marks. The conversation includes thoughts on possible draft additions, the need for veteran leadership, and how uncertainty affects every lineup option.
Finally, Alex Clancy tackles the big question: Can you trust defensive coordinator Nick Rallis? He explores Rallis’s journey, from rookie DC to the current bridge between coaching staffs, and weighs the evidence for and against trusting his leadership. While the defense showed promise when healthy, collapses late in the season raise doubts. Still, Alex argues that Rallis’s relationships and knowledge are invaluable to the evolving squad.
Packed with analysis, tough questions, and forward-looking suggestions, this episode offers fans a clear-eyed look at what needs fixing on the Cardinals’ defense and what might still be worth believing in as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Let’s discuss.
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