Cardinals coach praises defense’s effort

Those who follow the Arizona Cardinals figured the defense would be a strength this season.

Much like last year, they believed the group would be able to make up for some of the offense’s shortcomings and allow the team to win games it doesn’t play particularly well in.

Well so far, score one for those people.

The Cardinals topped the Seattle Seahawks 20-16 Sunday in the regular season opener, and while Kevin Kolb is justifiably receiving plenty of praise, the majority of credit goes to a defense that allowed just 254 yards of offense. They sacked rookie quarterback Russell Wilson three times and held running back Marshawn Lynch in check.

“I thought they played fast and physical,” Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said of his defense.

The coach noted how turnovers and special teams put the defense in some holes throughout the game, and indeed, every one of Seattle’s scoring drives came via a short field.

“If we don’t give up those plays special teams-wise and we don’t turn the ball over twice in our territory it’s a completely different game,” Whisenhunt added. “I think our defense did a very good job.

“And you know what? They didn’t let anything affect them. They just went out there and did their job.”

While there is hope the offense will be able to perform better in the coming weeks, it has to be nice for the Cardinals knowing that the defense appears ready to pick up just where it left off last season.

Arizona Sports’ Kyndra de St. Aubin contributed to this report

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