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The Arizona Cardinals need Deone Bucannon back quick for their pass defense

The Arizona Cardinals linebacker is one of the best in coverage.

NFL: NFC Divisional-Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

One of the more underrated losses for the Arizona Cardinals is the injury to Deone Bucannon.

The Cardinals pass defense was very, very good in 2016 and one of the reasons, maybe the biggest reason, was Bucannon’s work in coverage in 2016.

While Bucannon has struggled against the run according to Pro Football Focus, he's been special in coverage:

That coverage ability makes his play indispensable, even with his struggles in the run game.

The improvement in coverage for the Cardinals can be traced to the improvements Bucannon has made in coverage, 28th in 2014, 8th in 2015 to 4th in 2016, to go along with the improved pass rush the Cardinals have had.

The growth, the continued improvements will be hard to replicate, whether it be Karlos Dansby or Haason Reddick.

That's why getting Bucannon back is one of the most important offseason storylines to follow.

How soon he comes back could coincide with the Cardinals pass defense rankings.

Hopefully, it is a speedy recovery for the Cardinals pass defense sake.