4 former Arizona Cardinals honored in 'Actually Underrated' team
Many NFL players have fantastic careers without getting the recognition they deserve. Saints Wire's John Sigler decided to wrap up the quiet part of the offseason by putting together what he called the "Actually Underrated Team," both on offense and on defense.
The concept of it goes like this:
We set out to highlight the best players who weren't recognized with Pro Bowl popularity contests or coveted spots on the All-Pro teams from the Associated Press. And when possible, we tried to avoid players drafted high in the first round. Those guys are expected to start for eight or nine years and make a consistent impact. It's a different set of expectations for even a mid-round draft pick, much less a late-round lottery scratch-off or rookie free agent.
On the defensive squad, four former Arizona Cardinals players were mentioned. One played only a season. Another only spent a part of a season. Two played many seasons, including one who had three different stints with the team.
'Actually Underrated' former Cardinals
Breaking it down
Peko played 15 seasons, finishing his career after the 2020 season when he played six games for the Cardinals. He never made the Pro Bowl but started 194 games in his career and was a steady, reliable nose tackle.
Williams played just one season with the Cardinals in 2017. He played 14 years in the NFL and made one Pro Bowl.
Peters had a 13-year NFL career from 2010-2022. He spent 2015-2021 with the Cardinals. He had 135 total starts but did not make a Pro Bowl.
Dansby was an interesting player. He never made the Pro Bowl, but statistically he could make a case for the Hall of Fame. He won't make it because he never was a Pro Bowler, but he had 20 interceptions and 43 sacks in his career. His 2013 season should have gotten more Defensive Player of the Year consideration (122 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 12 QB hits, an incredible 19 pass breakups and four interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
In his 14-year career, he played eight for the Cardinals, from 2004-2009, then again in 2013 and again in 2017 to close out his career.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
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