Cardinals Special Teams Unit Ranked Among NFL Best

The Arizona Cardinals special teams unit has earned a top-five ranking from PFF.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Football

Cardinals Special Teams Unit Ranked Among NFL Best

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Does strong performance by a single team unit ensure a better outcome for the whole season?

PFF has recognized the Arizona Cardinals as having the fifth-best special teams unit in the NFL. This unit has become a standout group for the team, which holds a 1-2 record early in the season.

Why it matters

Strong special teams play provides a critical advantage for the Cardinals as the team works to improve its 18th-ranked offense and 24th-ranked defense. Exceptional performances from individual players on the unit have helped solidify the squad as a bright spot in the current campaign.

PFF ranked the Cardinals special teams unit fifth in the league. The ranking follows strong individual efforts, including Simi Fehoko, who recorded his first career blocked punt in Week 1.

The players

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team that competes in the NFL as a member of the league's National Football Conference West division.

Simi Fehoko

Simi Fehoko is a wide receiver and key special teams contributor who was recognized as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.

PFF

PFF is an American sports analytics company that focuses on the analysis of NFL and college football players.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are an NFL team that the Cardinals faced during their Week 1 matchup.

New York Giants

The New York Giants are an NFL team that the Cardinals are slated to play in their upcoming Week 4 game.

The details

The Cardinals special teams unit is characterized by a fast and physical style of play. This defensive intensity was highlighted by Simi Fehoko, who successfully blocked a punt during the Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Week 1: Simi Fehoko recorded his first career blocked punt.
October 3, 2026: Simi Fehoko appeared on the program Wolf & Luke.
Week 4: The Cardinals are scheduled to play the New York Giants.

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Season Trajectory

This high ranking provides the Cardinals with a foundational strength as they navigate a challenging start to the season. The unit's performance acts as a vital buffer while the team continues to address inconsistencies in its offensive and defensive point production.

The unit's efficiency is a major asset for the Cardinals' 1-2 team as they look to flip their momentum against the Giants. Fans can look for Fehoko to continue his high-impact physical play to keep the Cardinals competitive in the NFC West.

The takeaway

Reliable special teams play is often the deciding factor in close games for teams with fluctuating offensive and defensive stats. Prioritizing these units can significantly improve a team's chances of sustaining success throughout the regular season.