The Arizona Cardinals will most likely not be able to rely on star defensive end J.J. Watt again this season. The 32-year-old leaves a big hole in the Cardinals’ defence. Where do things go from here for the league’s last undefeated team?

Munich/Glendale – It was a shock for all Arizona Cardinals fans. As NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports, pass rusher J.J. Watt has to undergo shoulder surgery and will be out for about three months. In all likelihood, this means that the regular season is over for him.

The devastating news reached the Cardinals the night before the game against the Green Bay Packers and puts defensive coordinator Vance Joseph in a predicament regarding his game plan for the game.

Where do the Cardinals go from here?

All eyes on Jones and Golden

With the loss of Justin James, J.J. Watt’s full first name, the Cardinals may be weakening, but panic should by no means set in. After all, statistically, the defensive end is only the Cardinals’ fourth-best pass rusher with one sack and five tackles for loss.

The biggest threat this season comes from linebacker Markus Golden, who has already delivered six sacks. Right behind him is linebacker Chandler Jones with five sacks and five TFLs.

Even linebacker Jordan Hicks has three sacks, two more than Watt.

But: Stats aren’t everything

But especially with a player like J.J. Watt, it makes no sense to look at stats in isolation. He is still often double-teamed, despite his advanced age, with an offensive tackle and a tight end blocking him.

While that takes danger away from Watt himself, it opens up opportunities for other players to make plays.

In addition, the former Texan grew right into the role of a leader on the Cardinals’ team. He’s been in the league for ten years and can take young players, such as linebacker Isaiah Simmons, under his wing.

Watt, as someone who has seen it all and been to the playoffs several times, knows what a functional team structure should look like. Watt will definitely be missed in the ominous locker room.

Young players ready – Watt injury factored in

Even in the offseason, DC Joseph said, “I hope we create a nice rotation with J.J., Zach Allen, Rashard Lawrence and Leki Fotu. We have a lot of young players who need the ‘reps’.”

Those “reps” are now inevitably getting the young players in the absence of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year. The Cardinals have wisely prepared for him to be out.

After all, Watt’s injury is absolutely no surprise when you look at the 32-year-old’s injury history: Since 2016, he has missed 32 games, i.e. two complete seasons. Not being prepared for his absence would have been negligent.

The Cardinals defence is statistically among the best five in the league, and that won’t change with Watt out. It will be crucial to make the plays on important third downs.

Now the young players can show whether they can do it without Watt by their side. And possibly set in motion their own great careers.