Cardinals defense putting up big numbers as well

TEMPE, Ariz. - With the Arizona Cardinals getting 10 wins for the first time in 33 years, the offense has received its fair share of praise.

Flying somewhat under the radar is a defensive unit that has put up some big numbers as well.

With the Cardinals 31-10 win over the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, it was the defense's third straight game of holding an opponent to 20 points or less at home. Hopefully a sign of good things to come as they play host to the Green Bay Packers in the season finale and then will host a playoff game.

Keeping the other team from scoring is the object of the game and one stat that defensive coordinator Bill Davis thinks is key when assessing his defense.

"The number one thing we put focus on was points allowed, we talked about being in the teens and how that was going to help us," Davis told Sports 620 KTAR's Doug & Wolf on Monday morning. "I believe points allowed is way more important than yards [allowed]."

One way of keeping teams out of the end zone is by creating turnovers. The Cardinals had a plus-three in the turnover ratio column on Sunday against the Rams and are plus-six in their last three home games.

One of those turnovers was an interception by safety Adrian Wilson - the 23rd of his career.

Wilson also recorded a sack in the game. The sack gave him 20.5 for his career and put him in the elite 20/20 club.

The veteran became just the 10th NFL player to record at least 20 sacks and 20 interceptions in his career.

"[Wilson] is one of the elite safeties in the NFL and that stat alone proves it," Davis said. "[Wilson] still has a lot left on the table [as well]. It was exciting and fun to be a part of."

Wilson was one of four Cardinals to sack Ram quarterback Keith Null.

The four sacks put the Cardinals at 42 for the year, tied for third best in the NFL.

Wilson's secondary teammates also put up big games as Greg Toler recorded his first interception, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie picked off his sixth pass of the season, and Rashad Johnson made four tackles - doubling his season total.

Rodgers-Cromartie's six interceptions add to a career high as he had four in 2008 as a rookie.

Davis says the second-year cornerback keeps getting better the more he is on the field.

"Dominique's done a nice job progressing during the season," Davis said. "He continues to slowly and steadily get better - one game at a time - and he is starting to reap the rewards of some discipline and hard work."

The rookies - Johnson and Toler - have continually progressed each week as has their playing time.

"It's fun to see rookies progress," Davis said. "We really need them to come along as fast as possible. The more talented young players you have [the better]."

Davis feels the youngsters are starting to get confident and have a swagger about their ability.

With injuries to other members of the secondary it is likely their roles will only continue to grow.