In the Arizona Cardinals’ 21-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18, the defense was on the field for 55 snaps. Five players were on the field for every single one of the snaps.
How was the playing time split up?
Below are the individual snap counts for each player who entered the game on defense, grouped by position.
Defensive line
Roy Lopez, 29; Phil Hoskins, 28; Ben Stille, 23; Naquan Jones, 21; Leki Fotu, 19
Fotu got his first action since injuring his hand. The playing time was a true rotation.
Outside linebacker
Zaven Collins, 47; BJ Ojulari, 40; Dennis Gardeck, 28; Victor Dimukeje, 13; Tyreke Smith, 2; Jesse Luketa, 1
Collins and Ojulari got most of the playing time.
Inside linebacker
Krys Barnes, 55; Owen Pappoe, 29
Barnes was one of five defenders who never came out. Pappoe got more action as the second starting linebacker but was usually off the field is nickel packages, as the Cardinals opt four a five-man front in passing downs usually.
Cornerback
Antonio Hamilton, 55; Starling Thomas, 55
Only two cornerbacks got any action on defense. With Garrett Williams out, safety Jalen Thompson played in the nickel instead of another corner.
Safety
Budda Baker, 55; Jalen Thompson, 55; Andre Chachere, 47; Joey Blount, 1
Chachere came in at safety as the fifth defensive back in nickel sets. Blount got a play as the sixth defensive back once.
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