When it comes to losing players during a season, the Cardinals’ hearts turn hard and cold. Pity parties last about as long as television timeouts, and kind words for the dearly departed could fit in a tweet.
That’s part of coach Bruce Arians’ “next man up” philosophy, and it’s served the Cardinals well over the last three seasons.
A few examples:
In 2013, three outside linebackers suffered season-ending injuries in Week 3. The next man up was John Abraham, who went from being a pass-rush specialist to an every-down player. He finished the season with 11 ½ sacks, most on the team.