The Arizona Cardinals' Pass Defense Woes

We're roughly half way through the week and it's a short one considering the Cardinals play on Saturday. What we know so far is that the Cardinals defeated the Packers in overtime this past week, and I think it's safe to say we're ready to bring on the New Orleans Saints. But before we do that,  I wanted to get a better idea of where Aaron Rodgers had success throwing the Ball, so I created a passing chart. It shows his comp/att, yards, TDs/INTs, and the percentage of yards thrown to that area.

As you can see, the Cardinals relinquished 253 yards and all four touchdowns to the right side of the field - the primary area that Bryant McFadden was assigned. If this tells us anything, it's that McFadden needs help. If the Cardinals leave him on an island, Marques Colston or Robert Meachem will have a field day.

The Cardinals secondary took part in their worst performance of the year, getting caught out of coverage and whiffing on wide open tackles for the entire 60+ minutes.

It was Aaron Rodgers first career playoff game, but he didn't look the least bit nervous on the field. He carved up the Cardinals secondary to the point where starting safety Antrel Rolle said he never wanted to see Rodgers again:

"Let me tell you something, that dude is scary," Arizona free safety Antrel Rolle said of Rodgers. "We have a great defense, and we were up on him and ready to pounce, and he found ways to tear us apart. I don’t ever want to face him again in my life. I am dead serious. I’ll face Drew Brees any day of the week before I face him again."

Jermichael Finley - the Packers man-beast tight end - accounted for 159 yards against the Cardinals, because he created such a mismatch with his 6'5" frame. Jeremy Shockey's no slouch, but not having to face Finley should be a relief to the Cardinals secondary.

Obviously Ken Whisenhunt's primary concern heading into Saturday's game will be sliding help over to Bryant McFadden and Michael Adams. If the Cardinals secondary can't contain or slow the Saints passing offense, it will be the primary reason for a loss. What should the Cardinals do to improve their secondary struggles?