The Arizona Cardinals defense was not on the field nearly as long as the offense and had much fewer snaps. The defense played 53 snaps to the offense's 74. How were the snaps divided up? Let's see.
Defensive backs: Tyrann Mathieu, 53; Patrick Peterson, 53; Jerraud Powers, 53; Deone Bucannon, 53; Rashad Johnson, 53; Tony Jefferson, 28; Justin Bethel, 6
Jefferson played a little more this week than against the 49ers. They played a little less base. Jefferson comes in for nickel/dime sets when Tyrann Mathieu goes to the slot. DC James Bettcher used his speed "penny" package six times, which was when Bethel came into the game. We see who the five most used defensive players are -- almost all DBs, even though Bucannon hasn't played a lick of safety yet this year.
Linebackers: Kevin Minter, 53; Alex Okafor, 51; LaMarr Woodley 26; Markus Golden, 11; Kareem Martin, 2
There were many plays where the Cardinals only had two linebackers on the field. It happens when they go with Josh Mauro in their nickel package, and again when they go with seven defensive backs.
Defensive linemen: Calais Campbell, 43; Frostee Rucker, 42; Rodney Gunter, 25; Ed Stinson, 11; Josh Mauro, 10; Cory Redding, 10
Because the defense was pretty good about getting off the field, there wasn't as much rotating. However, this doesn't show up in the snap count, there were a handful of plays when Campbell and Gunter swapped positions, with Campbell playing nose and Gunter playing end. Mauro's role seems to be set for nickel sets when they want run support. when they want more pass rush, it is Okafor and Golden at the edge.