Alex Okafor Will Be X-Factor For Arizona Cardinals In Week 7
By K.J. Momberg
@K_Momberg
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Prior to last week’s game against the Washington Redskins, outside linebacker Alex Okafor was known more for his injuries than his ability to rush the passer. Following the game, the former fourth-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals appears poised to take on an even greater role.
In the absence of a dominant pass rusher, the Cardinals’ defense has struggled mightily to get after opposing quarterbacks. With John Abraham and Darnell Dockett both out for the season with injuries, the Cardinals have been searching for consistency with their pass rush opposite star defensive end Calais Campbell. With linebacker Matt Shaughnessy forced to sit out last Sunday’s game with an injury, Okafor finally got his chance to contribute. The second-year linebacker responded with four tackles, two sacks and two quarterback hurries.
Entering last Sunday’s showdown with the Redskins, the Cardinals had just four sacks for the entire season. Following his breakout performance, Okafor appears to be the answer the Cardinals’ abysmal pass rush has been looking for.
Okafor has dealt with injuries throughout his young career. The former University of Texas star tore his biceps in Week 3 of last season, ending his rookie year before it really even began. Then, during this year’s final preseason game he tore his quad, which caused him to miss the first three weeks of this season. With Shaughnessy out for an extended period, after being placed on the short-term injured reserve, if Okafor can stay healthy he should continue to have a chance to establish himself as an NFL player.
Okafor, and the rest of the Cardinals’ pass rush, could have a tough time this week against an Oakland Raiders offensive line that has given up just four sacks in five games. However, Okafor has already overcome greater adversity in his young career, and he seems poised to emerge as an x-factor for the Cardinals in Week 7.
K.J. Momberg is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @k_momberg or add him to your network on Google.
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