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Cardinals' Defense Hinges on Will Johnson's Ascent
9 Sep
Summary
- Will Johnson aims for 'takeaways' in 2026 season.
- Health was a major factor in Johnson's 2025 struggles.
- LaFleur emphasizes Johnson's intelligence as his greatest strength.
Cornerback Will Johnson is pivotal to the Arizona Cardinals' defensive aspirations for the 2026 season. His intelligence, a trait noted by offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, is considered his greatest strength. This intelligence was evident even when facing LaFleur's offenses, where Johnson's unpredictability made him a difficult matchup.
Johnson's rookie year in 2025 saw him rank low in coverage grades, with passer ratings when targeted also struggling. He was hampered by injuries, including a significant lower back issue that sidelined him for multiple games. Before this injury, Johnson showed promise, ranking highly in coverage metrics.
Post-injury, his performance declined sharply. However, entering the 2026 season, Johnson reports feeling healthier and more comfortable in his defensive role. His stated goal for the season is to generate 'takeaways,' a skill that requires strong fundamentals and positional play.
The Cardinals' defense needs game-changing players to complement established stars like safety Budda Baker and edge rusher Josh Sweat. Johnson, along with Walter Nolen, has the potential to ascend to this elite level, significantly impacting the team's defensive ceiling.
