Arizona Cardinals fans were hesitant to believe that Mike LaFleur would spark actual change in his first season as head coach. The long-term quarterback situation is an obvious reason for skepticism, but the decision to retain defensive coordinator Nick Rallis also perplexed many people. Despite ranking in the bottom-six in both points and total yards allowed, management believed there was value in having play-calling continuity on at least one side of the ball. The team is failing in several areas, but that particular gamble has been costly through five games of the 2026 campaign.

Rallis is doing the only thing he can do amid a 1-4 start and brutal defensive showing. He is taking accountability and expressing a willingness to make changes.

“Our coaches are phenomenal, and I think the players pour in every week and practice really well, but there are things I got to look at and say ‘how do I get them to find success on Sunday?'” he said ahead of Sunday's divisional matchup versus the Los Angeles Rams, per reporter Bo Brack. “Even if it makes sense to me, it ain't working right now. So what it is that change-up going to be that maybe triggers something a little bit different and allows them to just go out and play the opponent?”

“It ain’t working right now.”

Arizona Cardinals DC Nick Rallis says he has to find a changeup that helps the defense translate good practices into success on Sundays. pic.twitter.com/0kYlTN67pz

— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) October 15, 2026

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The Cardinals are surrendering an NFL-worst 32.4 points per week and rank 26th with 363.4 total yards allowed per game. When looking at those numbers, it is no surprise that they are susceptible to the big play. Arizona has given up 18 receptions of 20 yards or more and 14 receiving touchdowns, per NFL.com. Contrary to what Rallis said, this squad may not have the manpower to truly repair this leaky unit. But the burden is on the defensive coordinator to produce competitive results.

Nick Rallis has not fulfilled that objective as of yet, and he may have a hard time finding a solution against an angry Rams team this Sunday. Fans can only hope for progress at this point, as another Cardinals season starts to slip away.