Dan Williams says Ray Horton’s scheme is reason for success

Dec 3, 2012, 11:47 PM | Updated: Dec 4, 2012, 12:03 am

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off their eighth straight loss this this week, but it’s not for lack of good defense. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton has consistently put this team in a position to succeed by having his defense ready to play each week.

“I just think that he has us very prepared, the way he breaks down film, he breaks down teams and tells us their tendencies,” defensive tackle Dan Williams said of Horton. “It makes your job a little easier to have a coach that really breaks down film well.”

The Cardinals limited the Jets to just seven points and 289 yards of offense, and forced four turnovers on the day.

Williams tallied a team-leading 10 tackles against New York, including six solo stops.

“Coach Horton had a great game plan coming into the game; I think for the most part we did do a good job executing the game plan,” Williams said. “The Jets made a few good plays but for the most part we stuck with Coach Horton’s game plan and it worked out good for us. We just didn’t get the W.”

Even dating back to the end of last season Horton’s name has appeared in rumors and conversations regarding head coaching positions. His game planning and scheme on the defensive side of the ball have made him an attractive target.

“If you look at it, you pretty much know what the other team is going to do and he just does a great job,” said Williams. “The whole defensive staff, they do a great job of preparing us each week.”

The Cardinals rank seventh in total team defense and third in passing defense, with the only real negative being the run defense, which ranks 24th in the NFL allowing nearly 129 yards rushing per game.

Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells, center in red, is tackled by a host of New York Jets players during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) intercepts a pass which was intended for wide receiver Chaz Schilens (85) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) Spectators use bags over their heads while watching the first half of an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow is seen in street clothes while on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) Arizona Cardinals running back William Powell (33) leaps over New York Jets defensive back Ellis Lankster during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals cornerback William Gay (22) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) New York Jets quarterback Greg McElroy throws a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jeff Cumberland during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) New York Jets quarterback Greg McElroy (14) is lifted by teammate Konrad Reuland after throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jeff Cumberland during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Ryan Lindley (14) is sacked by New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, back, as safety Yeremiah Bell (37) and linebacker Bart Scott (57) help defend during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won 7-6. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) New York Jets quarterback Greg McElroy (14) runs with the ball as Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Paris Lenon (51) and outside linebacker Quentin Groves (54) defend during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won 7-6. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) New York Jets running back Kahlil Bell, center, fumbles a ball as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Greg Toler, bottom, and linebacker Daryl Washington (58) defend on the play during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler (84) is tackled by New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) New York Jets quarterback Greg McElroy gestures during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won 7-6. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) Arizona Cardinals defensive back James Sanders (39) makes an interception on a throw from New York Jets quarterback Greg McElroy intended for Jets wide receiver Stephen Hill (84) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The interception was annulled because of a defensive pass interference penalty. The Jets won 7-6. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Ryan Lindley (14) is sacked by New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, back, as safety Yeremiah Bell (37) and linebacker Bart Scott (57) help defend during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won 7-6. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Arizona Cardinals

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) speaks to the media at a press conference after an N...
Arizona Sports

Kiper: Lamar Jackson trade saga may jolt Cardinals’ trade-down draft hopes

Teams looking to trade up into the Arizona Cardinals’ slot will not likely commit until after Lamar Jackson’s fate is settled. 
2 days ago
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon speaks with reporters during the annual league meeting...
Tyler Drake

‘Games aren’t won in free agency’: Gannon pushes back on perception of Cards’ moves

The Cardinals' offseason haul of free agents hasn't received much fanfare from many who follow the team or those on the outside looking in.
2 days ago
Carlos Watkins #91 of the Dallas Cowboys runs into the endzone for a touchdown as Taysom Hill #7 of...
Kellan Olson

Arizona Cardinals sign former Cowboys DL Carlos Watkins

The Arizona Cardinals signed former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Carlos Watkins on Thursday.
3 days ago
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Rashad Fenton kneels on the field before the AFC championship NFL foo...
Arizona Sports

Cardinals ink Rashad Fenton to boost CB depth

The Arizona Cardinals signed former Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons cornerback Rashad Fenton to a one-year deal on Thursday.
3 days ago
Arizona Cardinals WR Hollywood Brown (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)...
Arizona Sports

Cardinals WR Hollywood Brown fined in speeding case

Arizona Cardinals receiver Hollywood Brown was fined $473 with credit for time served for an August speeding arrest on the Loop 101 freeway.
4 days ago
Colt McCoy #12 of the Arizona Cardinals and Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals warm up prior ...
Tyler Drake

Cardinals ‘feel really good’ at QB as Kyler Murray preps for next phase of rehab

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is making steady progress in his rehabilitation from a torn ACL suffered last season.
4 days ago
Dan Williams says Ray Horton’s scheme is reason for success