PHX Reporter

When Dennis Gardeck was headed home from State Farm Stadium last Sunday, fresh off his three-sack game against the Rams, his former teammate and recently retired Markus Golden FaceTimed him.

Golden had been at the game as an honorary captain, but the two had not really had a chance to chat.

"It's always good to see Markus," Gardeck said.

They could talk about Gardeck's first three-sack outing (which Golden did once for the Cardinals, in a win at San Francisco in 2021). The Rams were beat up on the offensive line, but Gardeck – the one-time undrafted edge whose height (6 feet) and shorter arms seem to say he shouldn't be the pass rusher he's turned out to be in the NFL.

"I've heard the phrase 'When they come, they come in bunches,'" Gardeck said. "I think it's important not to chase sacks especially. I was thinking about it the other day: Coverage is important, who you are rushing with is important. There are so many factors, the stars almost have to line up for sacks to happen. So if they come, great, it's the win-percentage. I want to win my one-on-one matchups."

Gardeck has shown his natural abilities long before. In 2020, he had seven sacks in only 94 defensive snaps all season. But he tore his ACL at the end of that season and it took the arrival of a new coaching staff – and Gardeck's prep – to get where he is now: a starter.

"As a coach, there are levels to it," outside linebackers coach Rob Rodriguez said. "There's arithmetic, there's algebra, and then there is calculus. With him, you can coach the calculus."

Gardeck was Pro Football Focus' highest-graded pass rusher last week but faces a Lions team with possibly the best tackle tandem in the NFL: LT Taylor Decker and RT Penei Sewell. The Lions have allowed only two sacks in two games.

That's where the mental side of Gardeck's growth – and his game – hopefully will show up.

"I feel like I'm at the point in my career; my toolbox is pretty well built out," Gardeck said. "Before it'd be 'I want to use a wrench in this situation.' Sometimes you don't get the right bolt that you need that wrench for and it turns out you need a screwdriver.

"Where I am now; I want to be able to pull out what I need from my toolbelt in any moment. If I realize 'Oh I need a screwdriver,' then boom right here."

Cardinals-Lions could arguably be one of this week's key NFL games as two physical teams clash; Detroit holds high expectations after reaching last season’s NFC Championship game while Arizona aims for similar success.

"I wouldn't say every team is physical. Every team isn't built to be physical," said defensive lineman Justin Jones who faced Detroit over past seasons playing for Chicago Bears." But those who are dangerous become better by fourth quarter when others fade away."

The Cardinals will wear their third uniform combination this Sunday sporting all-black look including black alternate helmets while James Conner continues strong performance contrasted by rookie Trey Benson still finding rhythm after gaining only ten yards on eleven carries last week according Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing saying “I'm not concerned about that.”

Kyler Murray’s impressive play alongside Budda Baker earned recognition although Baker downplayed calling it vintage stating “Kinda just feels same… I've been doing long time just making plays when called upon.”

Concerns linger over Kelvin Beachum’s availability against Aidan Hutchinson yet hopes remain positive despite potential heavy lifting required otherwise if hamstring issues persist affecting planned lineup dynamics overall according Coach Petzing meanwhile historical milestones noted include Matt Prater extending all-time record hitting fifty-yard-plus field goals amidst evolving kicking standards league-wide commented Special Teams Coordinator Jeff Rodgers regarding advancements facilitating these achievements nowadays compared twenty years ago due stronger legs better snappers holders etcetera albeit acknowledging weather impacts eventually during season progression however remains remarkable statistic reflecting changing landscape professional football today

Tight End Elijah Higgins transitioned successfully wide receiver Stanford sixth-round pick Dolphins subsequently moved position joining Cardinals continuing development integral part multiple tight end sets contributing significantly recent performances echoed sentiments highlighting commitment preparation dedication ultimately achieving current status within team context underscoring importance perseverance adapting roles responsibilities ultimately benefiting collective efforts pursuit victories pivotal moments such aforementioned ninety-nine yard drive under OC Drew Petzing direction emphasizing efficient execution critical junctures matches securing necessary outcomes advancing standings respectively

Head Coach Jonathan Gannon dismissed notion momentum carrying forward asserting instead focus maintaining consistent winning behavior confidence throughout preparations handling distractions opponents emphasizing maximizing opportunities presented ensuring sustained progress rather than relying solely previous successes determining future results thereby reinforcing disciplined approach continuous improvement overall strategies deployed achieving desired objectives forthcoming fixtures accordingly thus encapsulating essence competitive mindset fostering resilience adaptability requisite navigating challenges inherent professional sports environment striving excellence collectively

See you Sunday.

Caitlyn Epes/Arizona Cardinals

Linebacker Dennis Gardeck