A new defensive coordinator in Arizona brought new responsibilities for Darnell Dockett.
No longer is Dockett just a lineman looking to disrupt the quarterback. His role now more closely resembles a defensive end in Pittsburgh, who has to read, react, and swallow up double teams more often.
Dockett’s numbers will probably take a hit, but he’s embraced the new challenge.
“I’m in there like a rookie, notes, thinking, asking questions on the field, even asking questions during the game,” Dockett told Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic in reference to his preparation. “I’m learning it. I’m definitely learning it. The faster I learn it . . . I will be the player everybody expects me to be.”
In three games, Dockett has a shared sack, two tackles for a loss and five quarterback hits. That’s not bad, but Calais Campbell has been more productive on the other side. (In part because Dockett draws double teams.)
Arizona’s problem with re-creating the Steelers defense isn’t on the line. It’s at linebacker, where the team plays two guys (Joey Porter and Clark Haggans) that the Steelers gave up on years ago.
