Cardinals WR J.J. Nelson makes leap by thinking less on field

7:19 AM ET

TEMPE, Ariz. — There’s a moment for every rookie when it all starts to make sense.

It came late last season for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson. That’s when he stopped thinking — and when someone with 4.28 speed like Nelson stops thinking, that’s when he becomes dangerous to defend. He didn’t have to go over his footwork anymore before making a move or slow down the play in his head.

He just ran. And he ran fast.

“Every day he’s making a big play or two,” Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said of receiver J.J. Nelson, entering his second NFL season. “He’s catching the ball extremely well.” John Amis/EPA

In coaching circles, it’s commonly said that NFL players develop the most between their rookie and sophomore seasons. Nelson has been no different.

“I notice myself not thinking no more,” Nelson said. “I know what I’m doing right now. Just playing my role. Just going out and making plays.”

Last year, coach Bruce Arians saw John Brown take the next step in his development. This year he’s seeing it out of Nelson. Together, Brown and Nelson present a formidable mix of …

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