Javier Arenas says Arizona Cardinals defense can be 'as good as it wants to be'

The Arizona Cardinals acquired cornerback Javier Arenas from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for fullback Anthony Sherman at the beginning of May. Now Arenas is battling for playing time at cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals. He currently sits behind Patrick Peterson and offseason free agent signees Jerraud Powers and Antione Cason and will have to overtake at least one of them to see significant time on defense.

He was on the local airwaves this past week and spoke to XTRA910's Mike Jurecki and Dan Bickley and spoke to them about several things.

Listen to the interview in its entirety using the embedded player below or by using this direct link.

Arenas was "pretty surprised" to hear the news of the trade but understands that "in this business things like this happen."

Thus far, he really likes the coaching staff, describing them as "really outstanding" and "very active." And he welcomes the competition for playing time.

"That's the best position to put yourself in as a coach," Arenas explained. "Get three guys who are football players who you know are going to compete for the job. Whoever plays the best, whoever earns that spot, you know it's a well deserved spot."

How good does he think the team's defense will be under Todd Bowles? "As good as it wants to be," he said. "The potential is out there."

He likes working opposite Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts. He believes that the Cardinals' receiving corp is 'top notch" and that it is "a pleasure" to defend them in practice. "They make me better," said Arenas. "Hopefully we make them better."

He is proud to wear number 35, which is the same number that Aeneas Williams wore. "You want to rep it the right way," he said, after he was reminded of Williams." It could be seen as motivation."

What will Arena's impact be? We will see.

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