Arizona Cardinals rookie Ed Stinson wants to build on strong performance

TEMPE, Ariz. — Prior to Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Ed Stinson had played a total of 40 NFL snaps.

Due to injuries, however, the fifth-round pick out of Alabama was on the field for 36 snaps in the Cardinals’ 30-20 win, with 33 of them coming on the defensive side of the ball.

He responded by collecting one tackle, though his impact went beyond the box score. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians, who said the plan was to play Stinson more than second-round pick Kareem Martin in this game, was pleased with what he saw.

“Ed Stinson, he played very, very well,” he said.

For Stinson, it was a solid effort in his first taste of extended action in the NFL.

“I just wanted to go out there and do my job and make sure I did everything possible to help the team get the W,” he said.

Stinson took Calais Campbell’s place in the starting lineup, lining up for 55 percent of team’s defensive snaps. Playing time is nothing new for him, as he started 38 of 49 games in four seasons at Alabama and was the only defender to start every game in 2012 and 2013.

“I was ready to play before the game because last game I didn’t get much P.T., so I was looking forward to playing a lot this game,” Stinson said.

Part of the reason Stinson played as many reps as he did had to do with the defensive game plan, which means the rookie may see less time in other games even with Campbell still out. But every rep offers with it a chance to not only make a play, but improve, and Stinson believes there is plenty of room to do just that.

“I just feel like it’s more of a technique issue with me, so once I get everything down pat there I’ll be able to perform better than I did last week,” he said.

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