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The Arizona Cardinals may be witnessing the best pass-rushing in franchise history. Outside linebacker Chandler Jones, with his four sacks on Sunday, became the franchise leader in sacks for a season with 19.
Whose record did he break? His own, which he set in 2017 (17).
Not only does Jones hold the single-season franchise record, but he also has the most for any player in 2019, passing Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaq Barrett (17.5). He also leads the league in forced fumbles with eight.
Though Jones won't be going to the playoffs with the Cardinals in 2019, he is — or should be, at a minimum — a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. However, that's not on his mind.
“Who me?” Jones said on Sunday, via the team's official website. “Defensive Player of the Year? That’s a good question. My biggest thing is to just do my job.”
With a 5-9-1 team record, Jones likely won't warrant many Defensive Player of the Year votes. But, he should. A pass-rushing menace, he tends to leave a mark on any game he plays. Sunday's win over the Seahawks was just a testament to that.
Since the Cardinals traded to acquire him in 2016, Jones, 29, has acted as the most consistent Redbirds defender. He has Pro Bowl nods with them, in both 2017 and 2019, and a first-team All-Pro in 2017.
Jones, as a member of the Cardinals, has never recorded less than double-digit sacks in a season. Though perhaps not the biggest name in the NFL, Jones should be recognized as one for his consistency and pass-rushing prowess.
