The tackling crisis in the NFL has become a pressing issue, and Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon is vocal about the challenges involved in improving this fundamental skill during practice. Gannon acknowledges the difficulties his team faces, as they currently rank 11th in the league with 85 missed tackles after 14 games. In contrast, the league-leading Cincinnati Bengals have recorded 146 missed tackles, while several other teams have also surpassed the 99 mark this season.
Despite the Cardinals” tackling statistics being close to the league average, Gannon recognizes that tackling has been a persistent problem for his defense. He attributes this to various rule changes that have complicated the ability to practice tackling effectively. “We were just talking about that,” Gannon stated when discussing potential improvements. “You can definitely practice that — in my opinion, it”s a skill. However, there”s no drill that can truly mimic a game environment. It”s just too chaotic for that.” Gannon emphasized the importance of focusing on the fundamentals and keeping the instructions clear for his players.
Under the current NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), teams are limited to 14 padded practices, with 11 of those required to occur within the first 11 weeks of the season. Gannon expressed his acceptance of these rules, stating, “I”m not going to lobby for anything. I just play by the rules.” He compared the practice restrictions to a golfer being told not to practice a specific skill during the offseason, highlighting the challenges that defensive players face in developing their tackling abilities.
Gannon continued, noting that effective tackling is essential for a strong defensive performance. “To practice a skill, you have to practice the skill,” he explained. “It”s a conundrum that all defensive players encounter. There”s a risk/reward balance to practicing tackling, but a good tackling defense is crucial for success.” This ongoing discussion is significant across the league, especially as the NFL”s current CBA extends through 2030, making it unlikely that tackling regulations will become more lenient any time soon.
“We spend a lot of time on this topic because I”m passionate about it,” Gannon added. “It”s an important question that surfaces every year among coaches. Some believe you can”t improve tackling in practice, while others think the solution lies in acquiring players who are already proficient tacklers. It”s a matter of perspective, but it”s undeniably a challenge.” The Cardinals will need to address their tackling issues if they hope to bolster their defensive performance as the season progresses.
