5 players who Cardinals need to be great in 2020

Arizona Cardinals x-factor: Chandler Jones, EDGE

We constantly here about how commanding and outstanding edge rushers and defensive ends such as Von Miller, J.J. Watt and Aaron Donald are. The praise is absolutely deserving, but there is one name who needs to be discussed more: Chandler Jones.

No, Jones is not on the exact same plane as those three, but he is still one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. Since his debut in 2012, no player has more sacks than his 96.

Jones has the seventh-most tackles for loss (105) and ninth-most quarterback hits (162) in that span of time too. in 2017, he led the NFL in sacks with 17 and 28 tackles for loss.

The first half of his career was a little different than the second half. He spent his first four seasons with the New England Patriots, racking up 36 sacks in 55 games. Over his last four years with the Cardinals, he has gathered 60 sacks in 64 games.

Defensive players have taken the first three spots on this list. As you can see, Jones has been one of the only consistent parts of the team’s defense, and he needs to continue that consistency in 2020.

Pass rush talent is always a commodity in the NFL. Jones has been one of the most premiere sack getting players in the NFL, and he must do that this season too.

If Peterson helps solidify the pass defense, Simmons can do a little bit of everything at linebacker, and Jones can pressure the quarterback, the rest of the defense can possibly round into form.