Arizona Cardinals edge-rusher Chandler Jones is setting the bar high in 2020.
Jones said he feels former New York Giants star lineman Michael Strahan's single-season sack record is attainable, particularly after the Cardinals reloaded the defense in the offseason (via Josh Weinfuss of ESPN):
“I don't think that's hard to get,” Jones said Thursday during a videoconference call. “And I feel like if there was a year to do it, this could be the year to do it, honestly, for me. That's a personal goal of mine. But we have more help on our team. We have a better team.”
Strahan had 22.5 sacks in 2001, breaking the previous record of 22 set by former New York Jets star Mark Gastineau in 1984.
A number of players have come fairly close to the mark in recent years prior to the Cardinals' star edge-rusher seeking the glory that comes with breaking a record.
Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald had 20.5 sacks en route to Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2018. Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt had 20.5 sacks in both 2012 and 2014, and current Indianapolis Colts DE Justin Houston had 22 sacks as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014.
Jones set a new career-high mark with 19 sacks in 2019, and was named first-team All-Pro in the process. The 30-year-old also led the NFL with eight forced fumbles.
It would seem Jones believes added talent will lead to more individual success. The Cardinals signed outside linebackers De'Vondre Campbell and Devon Kennard, and also fortified the interior by signing Jordan Phillips.
The Cardinals are hoping a revamped defense will make it a dark horse for a playoff spot in 2020. Jones has even greater expectations as he prepares for his ninth season.
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