Cardinals can use Budda Baker to blitz to avoid being bullied
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker knows that some stories end bitterly and that the 2025 NFL season hasn’t been what he had desired. Baker’s competitive edge and tenacity has reached a plateau of numbness and his fiery play style seems all for nought with a team that has mustered up just three wins so far.
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 30: Budda Baker (3) of the Arizona Cardinals looks on before a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Arizona Cardinals, November 30, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida (Photo by Ricky Bowden/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Baker and the Cardinals got bullied by the offensive line of the Los Angeles Rams in their 45-17 week 13 loss at the hand of their rival. The Cardinals gave up a total of 28 points between the second and third quarter, allowing the Rams to score touchdowns on four consecutive offensive drives. Winded or overwhelmed, being bullied around isn’t something that Baker enjoys, nor is it a reflection of the type of detail and dedication he has put into perfecting himself as a professional.
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Baker has totaled 93 combined tackles this season and one interception but hasn’t been nearly as involved as he was in leading the team defense as he was a season ago. Baker spent more time being disruptive inside the box last season, but defensive coordinator Nick Rallis hasn’t been afforded many opportunities to blitz from the third level due to the mounting injuries at defensive back. Rookie Will Johnson, defensive back Garrett Williams, Max Melton, and others have all been in and out of the lineup this season, while veteran Sean Murphy-Bunting never got an opportunity to play this season. This has forced Baker to spend more time in coverage assisting the Cardinals secondary which ranks No. 20 in opponent passing yards allowed per game. With so many holes on the Cardinals defense, Baker hasn’t been able to be his versatile self, but has been forced to play a more traditional role in the team defense instead of being a game wrecker.
The Houston Texans offense hasn’t been flawless this season but Johnson will need coverage help to limit wide receiver Nico Collins. Either safety Jalen Thompson or Baker will be deployed to handle those duties. However, running back Woody Marks will get a handful of carries with hopes of carving up the No. 19 ranked Cardinals run defense. The Texans have a balanced offensive attack and is Rallis wants to shake the rust, he’ll have to get back to taking the risk. That risk means using more blitz to create negative plays for opponents. Either way, Baker will do everything in his power to avoid getting bullied for a consecutive week in a row.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals can use Budda Baker to blitz to avoid being bullied