Arizona inside linebacker Daryl Washington has been suspended for the entire 2014 season due to a violation of the league's substance abuse policy. It's a significant blow for a defense that really can't afford to lose him.
A year ago, the Cardinals had Washington (75 tackles and 3 sacks in 12 games) and Karlos Dansby (122 total tackles, 6.5 sacks) in the middle of their defense. Now Washington is home and Dansby is in Cleveland. The Cardinals will try to get by with youngster Kevin Minter and oldster Larry Foote. It's a big downgrade.
Washington was also suspended for the first four games last season. Here's how Arizona's defense performed in those 4 games versus the remaining 12, with Washington in the lineup. They were better in every category with Washington, most notably recording twice as many sacks with him in the middle of the defense.
Cardinals without Washington (4 games)
Yards allowed: 353 per game
Points allowed: 89 (22.5 per game)
Sacks: 7 (1.75 per game)
Interceptions: 4 (1 per game)
Cardinals with Washington (12 games)
Yards allowed: 333 per game
Points allowed: 235 (19.5 per game)
Sacks: 40 (3.3 per game)
Interceptions: 16 (1.3 per game)
--Andy Richardson