Defense ready to take on all comers in Arizona in Week 10

The Panthers aren’t the only team playing great defense, as they face another top-10 unit for the second week in a row.

The Cardinals are fourth in the league in total defense and third in points allowed, and they’re getting safety Budda Baker back on the field.

While Christian McCaffrey’s return to the field last week should help, this is still a considerable challenge for Walker in his second NFL start. After last week’s injuries to left tackle Cameron Erving and center Matt Paradis that landed them on IR, the Panthers will be starting their seventh different combination of offensive linemen in 10 games this year.

The Cardinals don’t need the help. They have allowed fewer than 20 points and 350 total yards in five of their nine games this season, tied for the most in the NFL.

The Cardinals were willing to let Haason Reddick leave in free agency last year because they had a replacement on hand. And now they’re both among the league leaders.

The Cardinals traded for Marcus Golden after last year’s injury to Chandler Jones, and re-signed him this offseason.

Now, Golden is tied for third in the league with 9.0 sacks, with four forced fumbles.

Reddick has made his presence felt quickly in Carolina, with 8.5 sacks, which is sixth in the league. He’s also tied for the league lead with 12 tackles for loss.