Cornerback Jerraud Powers hated to lose defensive coordinator Todd Bowles this offseason, but he was one brick. Defensive tackle Dan Williams and cornerback Antonio Cromartie were key starters who left in free agency, but they were two more bricks.
If a defense loses too many building blocks, the structure becomes wobbly, susceptible to disaster if a strong offense blows through.
The Cardinals’ returning starters hear the whispers from those who believe replacing Bowles with a rookie defensive coordinator could topple them. This is met with a wry smile, as they heard it last year, too, when they had to replace linebackers Daryl Washington and Karlos Dansby and turned out fine.