Bruce Arians thinks John Abraham can get 20 sacks
Will the departures of Karlos Dansby and Daryl Washington create ample opportunity for John Abraham to run wild in the Cardinals defense? Or will it mean that he becomes the offensive’s priority, thus limiting his production? Bruce Arians and John Abraham seem to agree that it’s the former. Abraham promised 20 or more sacks this season. The NFL record, set by Michael Strahan, is 22.5.
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Arians thinks that Abraham possesses that rare x-factor that could help the pass rusher make history. Arians cited Abraham’s 11.5 sacks during an eight game stretch in the middle of the season as an indicator that the 36-year-old pass rusher could fulfill his goal.
“He did it last year and there’s no reason to think he’s going to slow down,” Arians said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “He’s one of those freaks of nature. He just keeps getting it done. We are looking forward to another big year out of him.”
Abraham set his goal back in May.
“I’m shooting for at least 20 [sacks]. I always shoot high,” Abraham told ArizonaSports.com. “Shoot high, you might hit low, but at least you shoot high. Don’t bowl, you’ve got to shoot a basket. Shoot high, don’t bowl.”
The reality, however, is that Abraham’s strong performance will attract an incredible amount of attention from offensive coordinators. While the idea of running wild and becoming “the guy” on defense sounds great, the departures of Dansby and Washington will likely detract from Abraham’s production.