Stanford linebacker Tristan Sinclair confident Cardinal can return to 'party in the backfield' days in 2023

The Cardinal were once one of the most ruthless pass rushing teams in college football

We are often prisoners of the moment in sports, but where that's a good thing or bad thing is another story.

While Stanford was once renowned for being one of the most physical defenses in the country that constantly blew up plays in the backfield and even coined the phrase "party in the backfield", as of late they have been more comparable to a piece of Swiss cheese and lost that identity. Just this past season with a defensive front flooded with veterans, the Cardinal ranked No. 114 in the country in total defense.

They gave up over 430 yards of offense per game, and in terms of partying in the backfield it was more like social distancing in the backfield, as they ranked t-No. 90 in the country in sacks. 

With new defensive coordinator Bobby April III in town the confidence in the defense and its potential has begun to grow. April III is viewed as one of the best coaches in college football, and renowned for developing his players at an elite level which can be seen during his Wisconsin days with Nick Herbig who led the Big Ten in sacks last year. 

One of the main takeaways from Pac-12 media day on the defensive side of the ball for Stanford as written about by former lineman Jordan Watkins, is the team's plans to live up to the infamous mantra. Something Tristan Sinclair revealed they are working their way towards. 

“Yeah, I think for the defense, growing up as a kid, it was all about the party in the back field, the defensive line, the pass-rush,” linebacker Tristan Sinclair said. “I think we’re going to get back to that. I think teams are not going to know what’s coming. We’re going to bring some pressure, so I’m excited for that.”

April's defense will have some major growing pains to overcome as they are returning one of the least experienced units in all of college football, but if his track record is any indicator it should be a surprisingly much improved unit.