Arizona Cardinal Budda Baker impresses in HOF Game opener

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Manny Wilkins
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Manny Wilkins
3 of 3
CANTON, OH – AUGUST 03: Head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals looks on in the second quarter of the NFL Hall of Fame preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 3, 2017 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CANTON, OH – AUGUST 03: Head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals looks on in the second quarter of the NFL Hall of Fame preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 3, 2017 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Coach Arians gives two thumbs-up

Coach Arians is a tad like Coach Petersen in that he is a straight-shooter, he trusts his assessment of talent, and he appreciates passionate, committed, intelligent players.

But most of all, head coach Bruce Arians likes what he sees when safety Budda Baker is on the field.

Baker is home in the NFL

Budda Baker is a solid NFL player. He is physical, athletic, passionate and intelligent.  He was coached up to an NFL level by Washington Football defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake. And he had solid company in both Kevin King and Sidney Jones IV both heading to the NFL via round two of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Next: Punter Power: Can Washington Football team benefit from coffin corner kicks?

Arizona may need some pieces on the offensive side of the ball, but that defense appears very stout right now. And rookie safety Budda Baker is one of the reasons why.  Preseason is not about wins or losses. It comes down to the comfort level of rookies on that NFL field, and the comfort of players with their teammates.

Rookie safety Budda Baker is right at home in the National Football League.