**Cardinals Struggle with Tackling as Playoff Hopes Fade**
The Arizona Cardinals are facing another disappointing season, missing the playoffs once again. Despite being competitive in several games, the team has struggled significantly, particularly on defense, allowing 40 or more points in four of their last six losses.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon has pointed to a critical issue: the Cardinals’ tackling. According to Pro Football Focus, they rank last in the NFL in tackling efficiency. Gannon expressed concerns about how NFL rules impact the ability to improve tackling skills. “How the rules are set up, it’s hard to get better as a tackler being in the NFL,” he stated, as reported by ESPN.
In their recent 40-20 defeat to the Houston Texans, missed tackles were evident, prompting Gannon to discuss the issue with his coaching staff. While the team incorporates tackling drills into their practices, Gannon acknowledged that no drill can replicate the intensity of a game situation.
Research from ESPN indicates that the Cardinals have allowed 40 rushes of at least five yards after first contact, ranking them third-worst in the league. The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement limits padded practices to just 14 during the regular season, with most required to occur in the first half of the season. This restriction leaves players with limited opportunities to refine their tackling skills.
Gannon noted the challenge this presents, stating, “To get better at a skill, you have to practice the skill.” He likened the situation to telling a professional golfer they cannot practice their short game. “It’s set up how it’s set up. But to practice a skill, you need to practice the skill,” he explained.
Despite these challenges, Gannon emphasized that all teams face similar restrictions. “A lot of people think you can’t practice it. You better just acquire people that can tackle because you ain’t going to help them at all,” he added, highlighting the ongoing struggle to improve tackling within the constraints of the league’s rules.
With a 3-11 record and no playoff prospects, the Cardinals are evaluating their roster in the final three games of the season. Gannon and his staff are hopeful that improvements in tackling and overall performance can help end their losing streak, starting with their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons.
**FAQ**
**What are the main challenges the Arizona Cardinals face this season?**
The Cardinals are struggling with tackling efficiency, ranking last in the NFL, and have allowed numerous big plays due to missed tackles. Additionally, they are limited in practice opportunities to improve these skills due to NFL regulations.
