ARIZONA CARDINALS

Is Darnell Dockett doggin’ it with his new deal?

Sep 20, 2011, 1:31 AM | Updated: 4:50 pm

Doug Franz of Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf show doesn’t think that Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett has played up to his potential since he signed a contract extension in 2010.

“I think that ever since Darnell Dockett signed his contract he’s become average,” said Franz.

Average is not a word you associate with a three-time pro bowler. Doug is not saying that Dockett has become a defensive liability, but the big plays Dockett has been known for have not happened as often as they used to.

“He still makes some nice plays,” said Franz. “But I don’t see the relentless pursuit that I remember seeing when he would complain that he was underpaid.”

Is Dockett taking it easy now that he has his big contract? Doug’s co-host, Ron Wolfley, says that the effort is there from Dockett, but the results are not.

“I watch Darnell Dockett play and I see effort,” said Wolfley. “He had two quarterback hits on Rex Grossman.

“He didn’t get the sack but he had two hits and he had two tackles. That’s not great but it certainly isn’t bad.”

It is still early in the season so we can hope that the effort Wolfley is seeing out of Dockett will eventually produce some results and the defense can build off of that.

But if Franz is right and the big-play days are not going to happen from Dockett as they once did, the Cardinals defense could continue to struggle the rest of the season.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Vincent DeAngelis

PFF’s Spielberger grades Cardinals’ free agent class among worst in NFL

PFF's Brad Spielberger gave the Cardinals' free agent class a "C" grade in his latest rankings. It was the worst grade among all 32 teams.

7 minutes ago

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.

9 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.

13 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

Is Darnell Dockett doggin’ it with his new deal?