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How Can the Buccaneers Stop the Cards? A Pewter Plank Roundtable

By Alan Schechter

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians reacts prior to the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians reacts prior to the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates after scoring his 100th NFL touchdown during the second half against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates after scoring his 100th NFL touchdown during the second half against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

David Harrison

The key for the Bucs to stop the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive attack is going to be the front four of their defensive line.

With a veteran quarterback like Carson Palmer leading the squad Tampa Bay simply cannot rely on the blitz to gain consistent pressure on him. The front four will have to get in on Palmer early and often to rattle him a bit and get him to force some bad throws.

Even if they can shake up the quarterback a bit, there’s David Johnson who looks poised to stake his claim as a Top-3 running back in the NFL this season. He’s got the ability to bounce outside or cut back inside when needed so gap discipline and smart angles are going to be crucial to stopping the second year back.

Leaving as many players in pass protection as possible will help the secondary keep Arizona’s talented receivers from taking over, and allowing the linebackers to roam a bit in run support will aid greatly in keeping Johnson contained.

Do these things, and the Bucs have a definite chance to compete here.

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