Big Red
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- Mar 16, 2019
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JUSTIN PUGH SHINING EARLY
Justin Pugh didn't have a good first season with the Cardinals after signing a lucrative free agent deal in 2018, but he's been solid since.
Pugh did a nice job at left guard a season ago and even filled in at right tackle in a pinch. Through three games this year, he is in the top-8 in pass-blocking grades for guards as judged by both Pro Football Focus and ESPN.
"I think I'm playing some of my best football," Pugh said. "Throughout my career, if you look at it, I've kind of been a Band-Aid guy. When I was in New York I played right tackle, and if we were playing someone I'd move to guard. When I was at left guard and finally found a home, it was like, 'Hey, we're playing Von Miller this week, you have to go out to right tackle or play left tackle.'
"It's kind of been the story of my career, but I feel like my best position is left guard. I think I'm one of the best left guards in football."
TAKEAWAYS LACKING ON DEFENSE
The Cardinals have played well defensively through three games but have only amassed one takeaway – a strip-sack by Jordan Phillips against Washington that was recovered by Chandler Jones.
The team does not have any interceptions, although safety Chris Banjo does have a pair – one against the 49ers and one last week against the Lions – that were wiped out via penalty.
The Cardinals didn't intercept a pass until Week 7 of last season, but this group is stronger across the board, and linebacker Jordan Hicks doesn't see a big issue.
"If we're getting sacks, it means quarterbacks are holding the ball and not forcing it into small windows, and we are getting those pressure," Hicks said. "Since I've been in the league, those go hand-in-hand, and as long as we continue to be diligent on searching for the ball in runner's hands and making plays that come our way without trying to force anything… it'll come. They always do, in bunches."
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