Arians expects Mathieu for 'every single play' against Patriots

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians destroyed any notion that safety Tyrann Mathieu won't be ready for Week 1.

On whether he expects Mathieu - who tore his ACL in Week 15 of the 2015 season - to play in the Cardinals' opener against the New England Patriots, Arians had a strong response.

"Every single play," Arians said, according to Darren Urban of the team's official website.

Mathieu said earlier this year that he planned to take things slow coming back from a second torn ACL in three seasons. From the sounds of it, though, his recovery was so smooth that the team has no fear unleashing its defensive superstar at the outset of the regular season.

The Cardinals are a different team with Mathieu on the field, and not just because of the multifaceted role he plays, and the scheme possibilities he allows for. In many ways, Mathieu's tenacious attitude has also permeated throughout the team, helping turn the Cardinals into a perennial Super Bowl contender.