Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis had some optimistic rebuttals for reporters during press conferences after training camp last week. Yet, many of Rallis' critics will only be satisfied with how the defense responds on the field in 2026, and not how he responds at the podium.
The Cardinals finished the 2025 NFL season ranking No. 19 in opponent time of possession, a dissatisfactory output that shouldn't totally fall on the shoulders of Rallis. Injuries plagued the Cardinals secondary, including the absence of defensive back Sean Murphy-Bunting who miss all of last season. Additionally, starting linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. was sidelined after a brutal injury suffered on Nov. 3. Both Wilson and Murphy-Bunting will be in the lineup
this upcoming season contingently, unless something bizarre happens, and starting safety Budda Baker will return for redemption as well and this likely is where Rallis is looking to hang his hat.
Rallis was forced to play from behind the majority of the 2025 NFL season, and the one-dimensional offensive attack of former offensive coordinator Drew Petzing had the Cardinals ranked No. 30 in rushing yards per game. Tired legs meant treachery for the team, and Rallis should be able to turn it around with the complimentary initiatives set by LaFleur on offense.
Ultimately, Rallis knows his personnel, and he's ready to redeem himself and be a compliment to the mastermind of newly hired head coach Mike LaFleur. With an improved rushing attack, and the potential of rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, Rallis should be able to deploy his dynamic pass rush to help shorten the opponent time of possession statistics in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals DC Nick Rallis has the expertise but will he execute?
