The Cardinals have been noticeable on defense with how much zone they have played, and the statistics back it up: Only the L.A. Chargers have played more defensive snaps in Cover 4 than the Cardinals this season. And there are times when the choice has frustrated the fanbase (I know, because they tweet at me.)

Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, like the rest of the coaches, looked at his unit during the bye and what the defense could improve upon. He noted there was no one magic bullet for a solve, no one move that could be done to change everything.

So when he was asked about the choices in coverage on third down and medium -- as opposed to a tighter man-to-man more often -- Rallis emphasized the balance needed.

"There are definitely times when you want to contest and take things away," Rallis said. "But it's a balance. If you live in (man) the whole time people know how to find answers to that as well. You have to pick your spots. You have to be able to coach those underneath zones really well so it's not just completion completion completion. (Those coverages) do provide benefit, they do change the picture for the quarterback. But you have to play it with the right technique."

Rallis said the Cardinals need to do both. And it's possible that when Garrett Williams returns sooner rather than later, that might open up some possibilities there (although Rallis said the Cardinals have still been able to use all of the playbook even in Williams' absence.)

The Cardinals have faced 58 third downs this season in which the opposition needed at least five yards. They have only allowed 12 conversions, or 20.7 percent. The percentage goes up in the fourth quarter, but only to 25 percent (5 of 20.)