ARIZONA CARDINALS

Dan Williams says Ray Horton’s scheme is reason for success

Dec 3, 2012, 11:47 PM | Updated: Dec 4, 2012, 12:03 am

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off their eighth straight loss this this week, but it’s not for lack of good defense. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton has consistently put this team in a position to succeed by having his defense ready to play each week.

“I just think that he has us very prepared, the way he breaks down film, he breaks down teams and tells us their tendencies,” defensive tackle Dan Williams said of Horton. “It makes your job a little easier to have a coach that really breaks down film well.”

The Cardinals limited the Jets to just seven points and 289 yards of offense, and forced four turnovers on the day.

Williams tallied a team-leading 10 tackles against New York, including six solo stops.

“Coach Horton had a great game plan coming into the game; I think for the most part we did do a good job executing the game plan,” Williams said. “The Jets made a few good plays but for the most part we stuck with Coach Horton’s game plan and it worked out good for us. We just didn’t get the W.”

Even dating back to the end of last season Horton’s name has appeared in rumors and conversations regarding head coaching positions. His game planning and scheme on the defensive side of the ball have made him an attractive target.

“If you look at it, you pretty much know what the other team is going to do and he just does a great job,” said Williams. “The whole defensive staff, they do a great job of preparing us each week.”

The Cardinals rank seventh in total team defense and third in passing defense, with the only real negative being the run defense, which ranks 24th in the NFL allowing nearly 129 yards rushing per game.

Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr.'s Lion King theme necklace at the 2024 NFL Draft....

Arizona Sports

NFL Draft drip: Marvin Harrison Jr.’s chain honors father with Lion King theme

Marvin Harrison Jr.'s chain at the 2024 NFL Draft both honors his father and pulls a reference from the Disney movie classic, The Lion King.

36 minutes ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. smiles...

Damon Allred

Cardinals fans may have to wait for jerseys if Marvin Harrison Jr. is picked in 2024 NFL Draft

If the Arizona Cardinals take Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft, fans may have to wait a little to get their hands on a jersey.

3 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State...

Damon Allred

NFL Draft: What do bettors think the Arizona Cardinals will do?

Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. remains the favorite to go to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 4 in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday.

3 hours ago

The Arizona Cardinals will host a draft party outside State Farm Stadium on Thursday. (Photo by Chr...

Damon Allred

What to know about 2024 NFL Draft: How to watch, Cardinals party, more

The 2024 NFL Draft will begin Thursday with the Chicago Bears on the clock at 5 p.m. and the Arizona Cardinals slated to pick at No. 4.

4 hours ago

Kyler Murray celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Kyler Murray ahead of NFL Draft: ‘Something about today just feels right’

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray isn't shy about making his opinions known when it comes to improving the roster through the NFL Draft.

6 hours ago

Monti Ossenfort speaks at the NFL Combine...

Tyler Drake

NFL mock draft tracker: What will the Cardinals do with the No. 4 pick?

A look at the players being mocked to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 4 overall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

7 hours ago

Dan Williams says Ray Horton’s scheme is reason for success