D.J. Humphries Putting Finishing Touches On Terrific Season

Left tackle finishes with team-best Pro Football Focus grade against 49ers

Dec 28, 2020 at 10:43 AM

azcardinals.com

D.J. Humphries has been one of the best tackles in the NFL this season.

The Cardinals didn't have a lot of standout players in Saturday's loss to the 49ers, as both sides of the ball struggled.

However, left tackle D.J. Humphries continued his stellar season by garnering the top Pro Football Focus grade on the team at 73.5. Humphries did not allow a sack or a pressure in the game, although he was beaten by a pass-rusher five times, per PFF.

His run-blocking grade of 73.9 was easily the best among the offensive linemen.

Humphries has the fifth-highest grade among NFL offensive tackles this season at 88.0, and he's played the most snaps (1,076) among any player at the position. Durability is key in the NFL, as the dropoff from a star player to his backup can be substantial.

While Humphries didn't end up making it to the Pro Bowl this season, the Cardinals boast an elite blindside protector for quarterback Kyler Murray, which is a critical component for any offense.

Other Pro Football Focus Observations from Week 16:

Outside linebacker Haason Reddick remained red hot in the pass-rush department, earning a grade of 92.7 on Saturday that was only topped by Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (94.4) and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (93.5). Reddick, who is tied for third in the NFL in sacks with 12.5, was credited with two sacks, two hurries and four total pressures on 15 pass-rush snaps by PFF. However, a poor run-defense grade of 37.5 brought Reddick's overall mark down to 69.1.

Tight end Dan Arnold had the lowest PFF grade on offense with a mark of 35.0. He had a key drop in the first half on a pass that would have gone for 45-plus yards, had a false start penalty and fumbled.

The Cardinals' inside linebackers all finished with poor grades. De'Vondre Campbell was the lowest on the team at 25.7, while Jordan Hicks was given a 30.0 mark and Isaiah Simmons on a 37.3. The trio graded out poorly in both coverage and run defense.

Murray was given a grade of 71.4, which was second-highest on offense, despite subpar statistical numbers. Murray received a 74.9 rushing grade and a 66.5 passing grade. He has an overall mark of 83.2 this season, which is No. 11 among quarterbacks.

Cornerback Patrick Peterson earned the highest grade on defense at 71.0. He was not targeted on any of his 25 coverage snaps and held up well in run support, which was a rarity for the team against a 49ers team that averaged 7.6 yards per carry.