ARIZONA CARDINALS

New Cardinals defense to allow Baker, others to make plays

Jun 4, 2019, 4:26 PM

Arizona Cardinals' Budda Baker (32) shows Patrick Peterson (21) a drill during an NFL football orga...

Arizona Cardinals' Budda Baker (32) shows Patrick Peterson (21) a drill during an NFL football organized team activity, Monday, June 3, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

Budda Baker’s first two NFL seasons have not been the smoothest sailing for a newcomer.

That is, when it comes to everything that doesn’t have to do with his play.

In Baker’s two seasons as a Cardinal, the former Washington Husky has made an All-Rookie Team, an All-Pro team and a Pro Bowl appearance and has racked up 123 solo tackles and three forced fumbles.

He’s also had two different defenses and is currently learning his third as Vance Joseph has taken over the gig from former head coach Steve Wilks and defensive coordinator Al Holcomb.

“It boosts my confidence level,” said Baker Tuesday on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s Bickley & Marotta of having to learn and adjust.

Baker said there are positives and negatives to the constant change, but as a safety, it helps him know his and other’s positions.

“Learning and seeing the ups and downs of a 4-3 defense and a 3-4 defense, as a safety, I got to know where everybody is on the field so that helps me a lot,” he said.

Joseph’s defense brings a change of position and role into the fold.

“[At] free safety, hopefully I get to get my hand on some more footballs,” Baker said of the position change. “The last two years I’ve been in the box a lot, and that’s definitely fun, like blitzing and all that type of stuff, but just being the last line of defense is one of my favorite things to do.”

Baker’s accustomed to the position, which he played in college.

“You know where you’re coming from,” he said.

The new defense isn’t just allowing Baker to adjust his role though.

“It gives play-makers time to make plays,” Baker said. “Chandler Jones, all them type of dudes, they’re going after the quarterback, doing a lot of man type of stuff. We have DBs who can play man … I’m just very excited for this defense.”

Presented By
Western Governors University
Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

1 day ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

2 days ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

2 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

3 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

3 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

3 days ago

New Cardinals defense to allow Baker, others to make plays