Xyz Arizona Cardinals Sign Kyzir White Replacement And What It Means For The Team. Amidst the tumultuous season comes a calculated move by the Cardinals to replace the injured Kyzir White at linebacker. Since coming over from the Philadelphia Eagles, one of White’s key roles has been on special teams, but he also plays a significant role in the Cardinals’ defense. White was once lumbering through the halls of Brother Rice High School in Chicago and Northern Illinois University with no real identity — this was before the 6-foot-1-inch linebacker became an integral part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. Now, with White out of the lineup for this game, Arizona has quickly signed another player to replenish their defense. The prospective deal towards Ertz is not only an effort to plug the immediate hole of White, but a broader plan to keep up in advancing NFC West.
What Kyzir White brings to the Cardinals
The signing of Kyzir White by the Cardinals in the 2023 offseason had a trio of three. White, a safety it converted to linebacker and has athleticism and range to perform in space. That he was a student of defensive schemes honed under coach Jonathan Gannon during their time together in Philadelphia, made him an important cog to the Cardinals’ defensive plans.
White soon became a top defender on and off the field alike, joining a defense that had lost some key players. He was especially adept at run-stopping and pass-coverage situations, rendering him a dual-threat in the middle of the defense. Film study and communication on the back end.
White was one of team’s tackles and defensive stops leaders through the first half of the season. He was so valuable because he could cover backs and tight ends while still being a rocket in the hole against the run. The idea was to keep a good rotation on the defensive front this season because when the injury occurred, Arizona Cardinals coaches knew they needed to make move.
Arizona CardinalsThe Cards have more than a few big holes on D.
lv white, the cardinals defense has had it’s issues this season Injury has blighted the side and they have shined sporadically but inconsistency reigned. The Cardinals have been hit with the triple whammy of injuries, lack of depth and growing pains running a completely new coaching staff. These issues were exacerbated greatly by the loss of a player of White’s ilk.
NFC West power rankings: Seahawks make a strong statement to the opposition
Early in the 2024 season, injuries have taken a toll on players across the NFL. Presumed Super Bowl contenders—like the 49ers of San Francisco—have lost important players, and their output is clearly suffering as a result. The Seattle Seahawks may have lost a few important defensive players in Week 3, but more on that in a moment.
The Los Angeles Rams, who were destroyed by the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2 but managed to defeat the 49ers in Week 3, were arguably the biggest surprise of the season. With the 49ers loss putting the Seahawks two games ahead of every other team in the division, Seattle was bound to win in either scenario as the Rams would have dropped to 0-3 instead.
Seattle’s matchup with the Detroit Lions in Week 4 will be its most difficult test of the season thus far. The Chicago Bears will take on the Rams. The Washington Commanders are a dubious opponent for the Cardinals. The 49ers will play the competitive New England Patriots.
NFC West power rankings following the first three games: Seahawks still stand alone
4. 49ers of San Francisco (1-2)
Although it is difficult to rate the 49ers lower right now, they won’t be in last place for very long, and they most definitely won’t be at the end of the season unless a lot more injuries happen, which is obviously possible. In Week 2, the Arizona Cardinals easily defeated the Los Angeles Rams, and in Week 3, despite being severely injured, the Rams managed to defeat the 49ers.
San Francisco managed to blow a double-digit advantage at the fourth quarterback position. It was the first time since 2018 that the 49ers have lost after leading by double-digits. The absence of Christian McCaffrey merely makes this team seem different.
3. The 1-2 Los Angeles Rams
Sean McVay, the head coach, will not allow his team to give up. Los Angeles defeated the 49ers by a score of 27 points despite being without their two best receivers and an important offensive guard. Although Brock Purdy completed three touchdown passes, the defense played outstanding late in the game.
Despite their numerous injuries, the Rams will still pose a threat to Seattle. With teams led by Pete Carroll, McVay got his way. With any luck, Mike Macdonald can buck that tendency.
2. The 1-2 Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals in Week 1 might have easily been 2-1, but they collapsed in the second half. In Week 3, they toughed it out against the Detroit Lions. Although Arizona is undoubtedly still a year or two away from being a serious contender, they have improved significantly from the previous campaign. Marvin Harrison, Jr., a rookie receiver, scored another touchdown in Week 3 and will be a constant threat to the NFC West.
The fact that Arizona’s defense appears to be better than anticipated is perhaps the most concerning issue for other teams. The offense was meant to score enough to have the Cardinals steal some wins, but if the defense continues to become better, Arizona won’t finish last in the division again in 2024.
1. The 3-0 Seattle Seahawks
After the first three games, how could there be another team leading the power rankings? The Seahawks lead the NFC West by two games, but they are not the only club without a loss. This implies that Seattle should remain at the top of the standings after four games, win or loss against the Lions in Week 4.
Injuries are the main worry Seattle may face in the near future. Thanks to Monday Night Football, athletes like Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II who were hurt in Week 3 will get an extra day off. Seattle takes on Detroit. It could be challenging for Seattle to win four games in a row without those two players.
Yet, Seattle’s defense appears to be in far better shape than it has in years. Through the first two games, edge rusher Boye Mafe led the NFL in quarterback pressures with three sacks already. Uchenna Nwosu ought to return to Seattle shortly as well.