WWE wrestler John Cena's go-to saying before a match was, "You want some? Come get some."
That is Denzel Burke's mindset. The fifth-round pick knows opposing offenses are going to test him.
"I'm a rookie, so why not?" the cornerback said. "But I want the smoke, so it's cool and it's fun."
When Max Melton exited Monday night's game with a concussion, Burke took over. He played the most snaps since Week 4 against the Seahawks. According to Pro Football Focus, Burke lined up across from CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens 23 times and only allowed two catches for 21 yards. He also had the game-sealing interception.
Burke and the rest of the rookie class introduced themselves to the national audience in a big way. On Walter Nolen III's first career sack, he was one of five rookies on the field. Second-rounder Will Johnson was lined up opposite of Burke. Third-round defensive lineman Jordan Burch was lined up as a nine-tech pass rusher, and fourth-round linebacker Cody Simon was patrolling the middle of the field.
"It made me feel like the future of this team is safe," Nolen said. "A lot of the times all of us were out there at the same time making plays, so it was great."
But because of injuries, the future of this team must step up now. In Seattle on Sunday, the Cardinals will be without Johnson because of a back/hip injury. Melton and linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. are also going to be inactive. It forces Simon and Burke back into the spotlight.
Prior to Monday night, Simon only played three defensive snaps all season.
"I always prepare like I'm the starter at all times and I've had to do that in college a lot," Simon said. "For me, it's always trying to be ready for the little things and when your number is called, you've got to make the play."
Simon made one of the biggest plays of the game last week, forcing a fumble in the fourth quarter. Now taking over for Wilson, he'll be the one calling out the plays to the defense. Coach Jonathan Gannon said there were times when they struggled to get out the play call against the Cowboys, which sometimes made players like Akeem Davis-Gaither and Zaven Collins step in.
The rookie linebacker mentioned the biggest difference between taking over those responsibilities during the preseason compared to the regular season is the details. "Preseason is a little bit more basic concepts and everything, but once you get to real ball, it's a little more complex," he said.
In Burke's case, the details are everything, especially as he prepares to line up across from his old college teammate, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Considering the Cardinals will be without two of their starting outside corners in Melton and Johnson, Burke will likely play majority of the game with Garrett Williams and Kei'Trel Clark.
"I put a lot of work in week in and week out, and I've really just been waiting for an opportunity," Burke said. "I got my opportunity, and I put it on tape, so it was a dream come true for me."
One of Johnson's contributions to the team beyond his play has been the Turnover Buffs that he made popular in college. If a player forces a turnover, they put on the Cartier shades to celebrate the takeaway. On the biggest stage of the season, the two Ohio State Buckeyes took part in the University of Michigan tradition.
But that rivalry is in the past, because the future of the 2025 rookie class is now.
"I hesitated for a second," Simon said with a laugh. "But it's an honor because we're all on the same team now, so we all ball together."
