by Barry BarnesFiled under: Arizona Cardinals, NFC West
Two days after a heartbreaking loss to the Packers on Sunday for Super Bowl XLV, 35-21, Steelers defensive backs coach Ray Horton leaves Pittsburgh to re-join his former coaching colleague, head coach Ken Whisenhunt, in Arizona. Horton made it known as soon as he walked into the doors of the Cardinals' organization as their new defensive coordinator on Wednesday that the blitz is coming.Saying the word "blitz" can only make Steelers Hall of Fame defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau feel like a father hearing his son say "daddy" for the first time.
"I of course believe in pressure and I would hope the guys who have worked with me believe it in to," said LeBeau. "Sounds like Ray does."
So, it's only fitting to know what's the first play Horton will call when the Cardinals' defense takes the field.
"I am here to say right now the first call is going to be a blitz," said Horton. "No question about it."
Horton, 50, signed a three-year deal with the Cardinals and after weeks of searching by Whisenhunt, he has his man.
"We've at times been successful defensively and other times we haven't," said Whisenhunt. "The goal for us is to become more consistent, be a better defensive football squad. I definitely believe that Ray gives us the ability to do that."
Horton and Whisenhunt coached together for three seasons as members of the Steelers, under the direction of LeBeau. The Cardinals ranked low in the NFL's four major defensive categories: 30th in points allowed at 27.1, 29th in yards allowed at 373.6 per game, was 23rd against the pass at 228.4 per game, and finished at 30th in rushing yards allowed.
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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/10/ray-horton-plans-to-heal-cardinals-defense-by-applying-plenty-o/
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