O'Brien

Schofield

Schofield has been brought along slowly this season, struggling in pass coverage and run support while picking up new DC Ray Horton’s scheme slowly. With consecutive sacks on counter moves in the fourth quarter last week, Schofield has earned a rotational role opposite promising rookie Sam Acho. Arizona’s young defense has turned the corner over the past six weeks.

Schofield blew out his left ACL and meniscus at the Senior Bowl two years ago. He’s not only two seasons removed from the injury, but is entering his first offseason as a third-year player. Schofield was used as a situational pass rusher in 2011, recording 37 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. The Cards will hope he emerges as a starter in 2012 to book end Sam Acho.

Schofield had the labrum and rotator cuff in his left shoulder repaired and a routine cleanup on his right shoulder. Running as a first-time starter at left outside linebacker, Schofield is now healthy and participating in OTAs. The 2010 fourth-rounder played all 16 games last season after recovering from ACL surgery during his senior season.

Undrafted free agent LB Broderick Binns was waived. A 16-game starter last season, Haggans hadn’t made any known visits in free agency. His re-signing could be a sign of a lack of faith in O’Brien Schofield, who is currently penciled in as the Cards’ left outside linebacker, but is making his way back from surgeries on both shoulders. Schofield needs to have a strong camp.

The Cardinals are intrigued by new addition Quentin Groves and are expected to move ILB Stewart Bradley outside in some packages, but Schofield is the new starter after tallying five sacks and six QB pressures in a situational role in 2011. Last year’s starter, Clark Haggans, could still be re-signed as a backup.

Schofield is replacing Clark Haggans and should be a pass-rushing upgrade, bringing superior edge-bending ability and speed rushing off the edge. Schofield racked up 4.5 sacks off the bench in 2011, and believes he will hit double digits as a full-time player. He will be worth a look in big-play IDP leagues.

Schofield was injured in Sunday’s loss to the Packers. Coach Ken Whisenhunt confirmed Tuesday that he will undergo surgery to repair a ligament tear. The 25-year-old recorded 34 tackles and four sacks in his first season as a starter. Quentin Groves will likely take over as the left outside linebacker.

That, of course, suggests Schofield could be dealing with a high-ankle sprain, but official word may not come until Tuesday or Wednesday. A full-time starter for the first time in his career, Schofield has four sacks in nine games, but has graded out as one Pro Football Focus’ poorer 3-4 outside linebackers.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt confirmed that he’s out for the season. Schofield will be placed on injured reserve with one more season left on his rookie contract. He’s still likely to return as the bookend starter opposite Sam Acho next season. Quentin Groves will fill in for the final two months.

Schofield struggled to pick up the defensive system last season. “This year, he’s been probably my best player as far as mentally, which shows you the growth you can make if you apply yourself. And he’s been phenomenal for us,” said Horton. He’s worth a roster stash in deep big-play IDP leagues.