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Cardinals training camp: D-line competition will be stiff, difficult

Cardinals' Training Camp Spotlight: Defensive Line Emerges as a Force to Be Reckoned With

GLENDALE, Ariz. — As the Arizona Cardinals wrapped up another grueling session under the relentless Arizona sun at State Farm Stadium, one unit stood out amid the sea of red jerseys and echoing whistles: the defensive line. In a training camp that's already buzzing with optimism for the upcoming season, the D-line has been turning heads, blending veteran savvy with youthful energy to form what could be the backbone of the Cardinals' defense. Head coach Jonathan Gannon, known for his defensive-minded approach, has been vocal about the group's potential, emphasizing how their performance could dictate the team's success in a competitive NFC West.

The defensive line's resurgence starts with the anchors up front. Leading the charge is the imposing presence of veteran tackle Leki Fotu, whose size and strength have been on full display. Fotu, entering his fourth season, has been a disruptive force in drills, consistently collapsing pockets and stuffing run plays. Teammates and coaches alike have praised his improved conditioning, which has allowed him to stay on the field longer without losing effectiveness. "Leki's been a monster out there," said defensive coordinator Nick Rallis during a post-practice presser. "He's not just holding the line; he's pushing it back." Fotu's ability to draw double teams has opened lanes for his linemates, creating a ripple effect that's benefiting the entire front seven.

Complementing Fotu is the dynamic edge rusher Zaven Collins, who transitioned more fully to the outside linebacker role but still contributes heavily to the line's pass-rush efforts. Collins, with his athleticism and quick first step, has been generating pressure off the edge, recording multiple "sacks" in team scrimmages—though, of course, these are non-contact in camp. His versatility allows the Cardinals to mix up their schemes, sometimes dropping him into coverage while others see him bull-rushing tackles. The former first-round pick out of Tulsa has shown maturity in his reads, diagnosing plays quicker and reacting with the kind of explosiveness that could lead to double-digit sacks this season. "Zaven's growth is evident," Gannon noted. "He's not just relying on talent; he's studying film, understanding tendencies, and it's paying off."

But the real excitement brews from the younger talents injecting fresh blood into the unit. Rookie defensive end Dante Stills, a sixth-round pick from West Virginia, has been a pleasant surprise. Despite his draft position, Stills has flashed elite quickness and bend around the edge, reminiscent of some of the league's top pass rushers. In one-on-one drills, he's consistently beaten offensive linemen with a combination of speed and power, earning reps with the first-team unit. His motor is relentless, often pursuing plays from the backside and making tackles that prevent big gains. Coaches have been impressed with his work ethic, as Stills stays late after practice to refine his technique. "Dante's got that dog in him," said veteran lineman Carlos Watkins. "He's hungry, and it's contagious."

Speaking of Watkins, the journeyman has provided steady leadership and depth. Signed as a free agent last offseason, Watkins brings experience from stints with the Texans and Cowboys, offering a calming influence amid the camp's intensity. His ability to play multiple positions along the interior line has been invaluable, especially in rotational packages designed to keep the unit fresh. Watkins has mentored the younger players, sharing insights on hand placement and leverage that have visibly improved their performances. In run defense drills, he's been a wall, using his 6-foot-3, 305-pound frame to anchor against double teams.

The Cardinals' defensive line isn't just about individual stars; it's the collective chemistry that's fostering a dominant group. During team periods, the unit has shown improved communication, with players like Fotu and Collins barking out adjustments pre-snap. This cohesion was evident in a recent scrimmage where they forced three consecutive three-and-outs, including a strip-sack recovered for a touchdown. The emphasis on fundamentals—pad level, hand fighting, and pursuit angles—has been a camp staple, drilled relentlessly by position coach Matt Burke. "We're building something special here," Burke said. "These guys are buying in, and it's showing in how they attack every rep."

One area of focus has been pass-rush creativity. With the departure of key players in recent years, the Cardinals have leaned on exotic blitz packages to generate pressure. Edge rusher Dennis Gardeck, recovering from a previous injury, has returned with a vengeance, showcasing his speed-to-power moves that have left offensive tackles scrambling. Gardeck's energy is infectious; he's often the first to celebrate a big play, hyping up the sideline. Paired with Cameron Thomas, a second-year player out of San Diego State, the duo provides a one-two punch off the edge. Thomas, who saw limited action as a rookie, has bulked up and refined his pass-rush arsenal, incorporating swim moves and spins that have caught coaches' eyes.

Injuries, always a concern in camp, have been minimal for the D-line so far. A minor tweak for Fotu earlier in the week sidelined him briefly, but he's back at full speed. This health has allowed for consistent reps, helping the group gel. The Cardinals' front office has also bolstered depth through undrafted free agents and camp invites, like edge rusher Jesse Luketa, who brings CFL experience and a high motor. Luketa's ability to set the edge in run defense has earned him praise, potentially securing a roster spot.

Looking broader, the defensive line's performance ties into the Cardinals' overall defensive strategy. Gannon, drawing from his time with the Eagles, wants an aggressive, opportunistic unit that forces turnovers and controls the line of scrimmage. The D-line is central to that vision, as evidenced by their emphasis on creating negative plays. In red-zone drills, they've been stout, limiting touchdowns and forcing field goals—a critical area after last season's struggles.

Off the field, the group's camaraderie is building. Team-building activities, like group dinners and film sessions, have fostered bonds. Veterans like Watkins host informal meetings, breaking down opponents' tendencies. This unity extends to the locker room, where the D-line's trash talk during practice keeps things light yet competitive.

As camp progresses toward preseason games, the defensive line will face stiffer tests against live opponents. Joint practices with teams like the Broncos could provide valuable measuring sticks. If the early signs hold, this unit could transform the Cardinals' defense from a question mark to a strength. Fans are eager to see if the hype translates to the regular season, where dominating the trenches often separates contenders from pretenders.

In a division loaded with offensive firepower—think the 49ers' run game and the Rams' passing attack—the Cardinals' D-line must rise to the occasion. With a mix of proven vets, ascending talents, and unproven gems, the potential is there. Gannon summed it up best: "Our defensive line is the engine. If they're firing on all cylinders, we can go places." As the pads continue to crack in Glendale, all eyes are on this group to drive the Cardinals forward.

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Read the Full Cardinals Wire Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/cardinals-training-camp-d-line-060343006.html ]