Arizona Cardinals’ Tyrann Mathieu happy it’s all back
Aug 2, 2015, 3:20 PM | Updated: 7:51 pm
(Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)
GLENDALE, Ariz. — There was a play during the Arizona Cardinals’ first training camp practice Saturday that likely got many on the Arizona sideline excited.
Tyrann Mathieu reached in and batted in the air a pass that was intended for John Brown, stepped in front of the receiver before the ball came down and then ripped it away for an interception.
“Just doing just like he did in the spring, he looks like he’s back to being himself, and that’s a good thing,” Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said.
For Mathieu, the process of getting back to being himself has been a long and arduous one. The knee injury that ended his 2013 season after 13 games and limited him in 2014 is finally a thing of the past though, which means the player who starred as a rookie can once again shine bright for Arizona’s defense.
Mathieu said there has not been a single moment that made him think he was back, but rather a collection of instances throughout the offseason where he made plays and was able to break on footballs, things he was struggling to do last season.
“Just getting that confidence back,” he said. “I think that was the biggest part for me, just being confident again. So I’m definitely happy it’s all back.”
As are the Cardinals.
When he’s right, Mathieu is as dynamic a player you will find in a defensive secondary. Able to move into the slot as a corner or play on the back end as a safety, his versatility is something the team’s defense can be built around.
The former third-round pick out of LSU embraces the expectations, and understands this is a big season for him.
“They say that you are who you are in your third year, so I really want to put my best work on the field this year,” Mathieu said.
But even more than the plays he makes for the team, Arians said Mathieu’s personality is infectious. When the defensive back is having a good time, it permeates through the rest of the team.
“The guys love him, everybody loves him,” Arians said. “It’s good to see him have the spirit back because he didn’t have it last year.”
“It’s fun again,” Mathieu said. “I’m able to do more. I’m just excited about being healthy, just being out there.”
And that’s really the key for Mathieu.
No one doubts his talent or ability. No, the question is about whether the 5-foot-9, 186-pound defensive back can stay healthy over the course of an entire season. Do that and the rest will take care of itself.
“I know if I’m on the field and healthy that I’m going to make plays, I’m pretty confident in that,” he said.