Buccaneers game plan: Attacking and defending the Cardinals
What are some ways the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can prevent a repeat showing of the 40-7 drubbing they took at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals in 2016?
ATTACKING THE CARDINALS
The Buccaneers should be able to do whatever they want against the Cardinals defense.
Patrick Peterson will follow Mike Evans wherever he lines up on the field, giving DeSean Jackson, Adam Humphries and Cameron Brate plenty of room to get open down the field.
The Bucs’ offensive line has played well above average in pass protection thus far this season. If that trend continues and quarterback Jameis Winston doesn’t repeat the 4 interception game from a year ago. Their passing game should have no problem keeping the chains moving and getting into the redzone.
Take what the defense gives you. Moving the chains is more important than explosives.
Running back Doug Martin had a great debut against the Patriots Thursday night. With his first week of full NFL practices now under his belt. Martin stamina will be better in his second game and if head coach Dirk Koetter chooses to control the clock in the second and third quarters. Martin and Tampa’s offensive line will be up to the challenge.
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DEFENDING ARIZONA
The Cardinals running game has been nonexistent since week one. In fact they are last in the NFL in yards per game. In a desperation move. Arizona traded for seven time Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson in an effort to add a spark offensively.
It doesn’t matter who is in the backfield, if the offensive line can’t open holes, the Cardinals can expect more of the same. The Cards are starting a new left side of the line in guard Alex Boone and tackle D.J. Humphries. Sunday will be Boone’s first start of the season and Humphries hasn’t seen the field since week one. Furthermore, Earl Watford will be making his first start at right guard after filling in for Boone all season. Finally, right tackle Jared Veldheer – who was moved from his natural left tackle spot to make room for Humphries in the off season – has been very inconsistent.
Did you get all that? You can re-read it or just take away that Arizona’s line has a lot of moving pieces and nothing seems to be getting the results they are looking for.
Adrian Peterson isn’t the same player he was in 2015 when he lead the league in rushing and with the struggles of the Cards o-line, I’m looking for less than 60 rushing from the future hall of famer.
Their front five have also given up 19 sacks in 5 games, that is more than 3.5 per. Cardinals quarter back Carson Palmer lack of mobility is partially to blame, but his lineman aren’t doing him any favors.
I think the Bucs have enough talent to get to Palmer all game long just using their front four. Palmer is going to get his yards, but if the Bucs can put pressure on him, especially on third down. The defense should be able to hold Arizona to under 24 points.
Next: Bucs Extra Points: Week 4 to Week 5
RECAP
OFFENSE
- Take what the defense gives you. Explosives can come from short passes too
- Don’t abandon the running game. Martin is on a mission, let him loose
DEFENSE
- Get pressure with the front 4. Everything else will fall into place
- Maintain run gaps. Peterson is past his prime, make him earn his yards
- Nothing over the top. Cards offense lives and dies with big plays. No long TD’s
Thanks for reading.
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Until next time.
GO BUCS!!!