Arizona Cardinals Have Done the Most to Close the Gap on San Francisco 49ers

May 12, 2012   ·   James Dudko   ·   Jump to comments

The Arizona Cardinals have enjoyed a productive offseason and have done more than any other NFC West team to close the gap on the San Francisco 49ers. The Cardinals have made a series of solid moves in both free agency and the draft, and could surprise the NFC runners-up.
The biggest reason for optimism amongst Cardinals fans should be a burgeoning defense, developing well under the stewardship of coordinator Ray Horton. After several attempts at trying to find a coordinator who could replicate the Pittsburgh Steelers' model for defense, Ken Whisenhunt has finally found the right man.
Horton's group came on strong towards the end of the 2011 campaign. The emergence of Sam Acho has at last given the Cardinals a consistent pass-rush threat from the outside.
The team has continued to stockpile ex-Steelers veterans equipped with vital scheme knowledge, in the form of defensive end Nick Eason and nickle back William Gay. The unit has been further boosted by the news that Cala...

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