Preseason Week 3 Instant Reaction: Arizona Cardinals Defense was Offensive

The Arizona Cardinals' defense took center stage in Week 3 of the preseason—unfortunately, for all the wrong reasons. Alex Clancy delivers an unfiltered instant reaction to the first half debacle, where key defenders like Darius Robinson, Bijan Ojulari, Max Melton, Denzel Burke, and Dante Stills were shredded by the Dallas Cowboys' backup offense. The concerning trend of a nonexistent pass rush, missed tackles, and blown coverages continues, raising red flags just weeks from the regular season opener. Alex Clancy addresses whether the scheme under Nick Rallis is to blame, the potential for rapid staff changes if the struggles bleed into the regular season, and speculates on the readiness of young defenders like Bijan Ojulari, who is still searching for form post-injury. With nearly 300 yards surrendered and 24 points allowed in the first half alone, panic might be premature—but concern is mounting. The show also dives into the offense’s first true adversity of the preseason, struggles with penalties and discipline, and the uncertainty surrounding the Cardinals’ running back room, including questions about Bam Knight, Trey Benson, James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, and Jeremiyah Love. Alex Clancy highlights the ambiguity about Love’s debut and what it could signal for the team’s plans. Tying it all together is an honest look at the defensive depth chart, the battle for the second starting cornerback spot between Max Melton and Denzel Burke, and the ripple effects of a lightweight pass rush. With the regular season looming and preseason evaluation time running out, this episode is a must-listen for fans hungry for an unvarnished assessment of where the Cardinals stand—and where they might stumble. Let's discuss.   Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas - Imagn    Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   KALSHI For a limited time,Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/lockedonnfl! #squarepod Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)     Find and follow Locked On Cardinals on your favorite podcast platforms:     Apple https://apple.co/3gzT6Pg Spotify https://spoti.fi/3wsOL7a Audacy https://bit.ly/3xdaqjU Stitcher https://bit.ly/3cFWffn Google https://buff.ly/2yH7WOl Megaphone https://bit.ly/2RUBlC5 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.