ARIZONA CARDINALS

Calais Campbell: Arizona Cardinals defense ‘not missing any leadership’

May 26, 2015, 3:03 PM | Updated: 3:06 pm

Presented By...

TEMPE, Ariz. — Last season, the Arizona Cardinals became known across the league for their “next man up” mentality after suffering injury after injury across the roster. Week after week, a player would go down and another was ready to take his place.

This season, that mantra can apply somewhere a little different: Defensive leadership.

With the loss of veteran Darnell Dockett, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers in March, the shift of linebacker Larry Foote to a coaching role and the absence of two-year defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who took a head coaching position with the Jets, it could appear on paper that Arizona is in need of pilotage on defense.

Not to hear defensive end Calais Campbell tell it.

Losing players? No problem. Campbell says others were more than ready to step into their place.

“We have a lot of leaders. Losing players is part of the game…

“…On the defense, we’re not missing any leadership,” he said, citing cornerback Jerraud Powers and a highly competitive defensive backs corps, along with tenured players in defensive end Frostee Rucker and safety Rashad Johnson.

What about the loss of Bowles?

Next man up.

In this case, that happens to be first-year coordinator and former linebackers coach James Bettcher. Campbell said Bettcher already got along well with the players.

“It’s good that we already have a relationship with him,” he said. “You know, we had a really good relationship with him when he was a linebacker coach and now being a D-coordinator, it’s cool to continue to have that relationship.”

One of the benefits of Bettcher stepping into the role, Campbell said, was the fact that the team didn’t have to worry about a new system. He said though the person running the defense is different, the terminology used is the same.

“That’s nice. Everything is the same,” he said. “They (Bowles and Bettcher) are very similar. Bettch, he’s changed some of the drills. (He has us do) a lot more run fits and a lot more communication, make sure everyone is on the same page.”

All according to head coach Bruce Arians’ plan, apparently.

“I didn’t want the players to come in here and have to learn anything different,” Arians said. “The core of our defense, the playbook is the same. And (Bettcher) has great communication skills with the guys and a lot of respect.”

“He asks for a lot of feedback,” added Campbell, grinning and nodding emphatically. “Especially from the older guys like Patrick Peterson and myself. He’ll ask us what we want to do and if we like what we’re doing.

“It’s always good when you can interact with the coaches and they’ll hear you out and respond. And Bettch is really good at that.”

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Jonah Williams pressure Sam Darnold...

Tyler Drake

Report: Free agent DL Jonah Williams visiting Arizona Cardinals this week

Defensive lineman Jonah Williams is visiting the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings this week, according to Aaron Wilson.

7 hours ago

Casita seating at the Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals’ new suite options at State Farm Stadium include casitas

The Arizona Cardinals on Monday announced new luxury seating options for 2024, including custom casita suites at State Farm Stadium.

11 hours ago

Justin Fields...

Associated Press

Quarterback carousel: Bears trade Justin Fields to Steelers to clear way for top pick

The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night for draft compensation.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Report: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s 2025 guarantees kick in

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray had nearly $30 million guaranteed for the 2025 season kick in by remaining on Arizona's roster by Saturday.

2 days ago

Paris Johnson Jr. celebrates with Kyler Murray...

Tyler Drake

Which side of the line will Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. command in 2024?

Even before the Cardinals released D.J. Humphries, there was already talk of Paris Johnson Jr. making the switch from right to left.

3 days ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Marvin Harrison Jr. wasn’t opposed to joining Arizona Cardinals in 2023

Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Arizona Cardinals in 2024? That's what Paris Johnson Jr. predicted soon after getting pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

3 days ago

Calais Campbell: Arizona Cardinals defense ‘not missing any leadership’