Arizona Cardinals make surprising decision to part ways with Xavier Thomas
The Arizona Cardinals have officially announced the release of linebacker Xavier Thomas, a move that comes just days before their crucial Week 13 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thomas, a second-year edge rusher, was notably absent from practice on Friday prior to the announcement, raising eyebrows across the organization and fanbase alike.
Unexpected Turn of Events
The decision to cut Thomas is unexpected, particularly given the team’s recent high praise for him since he joined the Cardinals as a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Head coach Jonathan Gannon had previously emphasized Thomas’s growth, stating, “What I’m most proud about him is he’s taken steps every week to be a better pro (and learn) what that looks like.” Gannon acknowledged that while Thomas was not a bad professional, he was still in the process of learning the ropes. “It’s time on the job,” he added, highlighting the player’s dedication to understanding his role and responsibilities.
Roster Dynamics and Competition
With the return of Baron Browning, who cleared the league’s concussion protocol, and BJ Ojulari’s recovery from a serious knee injury, the Cardinals’ linebacker corps has become increasingly competitive. The addition of Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, and Jordan Burch also contributed to the team’s decision to release Thomas. Despite showing promise during preseason, Thomas managed only 15 defensive snaps this regular season, a stark contrast to his rookie campaign, where he appeared in 14 games, recording ten tackles, 2.5 sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble.
The Cardinals’ pass rush has struggled this season, registering just 22 sacks overall. Notably, Sweat has contributed nine sacks, while defensive end Calais Campbell has added 5.5 to that total. The absence of rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, who played a significant role in the pass rush when healthy, further complicated the team’s defensive strategy leading into this week’s matchup.
Learning from the Buccaneers Challenge
As the Cardinals prepare for their showdown against the Buccaneers, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the opposing team’s effective pass rush under head coach Todd Bowles. Gannon spoke about the challenges posed by Bowles’s defensive scheme, noting that Bowles “knows your protection rules” and can exploit them. This necessitates a need for changeups and strategic communication on the field.
Gannon stressed the importance of quarterback Jacoby Brissett being able to recognize when he is “hot” or “warm” during plays, indicating the need for heightened awareness to mitigate the risk of catastrophic mistakes. “A sack fumble touchdown is [devastating], so we have to be on that,” he cautioned, underscoring the stakes involved in their upcoming game.
As the Cardinals navigate this unexpected roster change and prepare for a pivotal encounter with the Buccaneers, the focus will undoubtedly be on maximizing their defensive efforts while adapting to the evolving dynamics within the team.
