“There’s only 16 games in the regular season, so you have to think they are all must wins.” –Larry Fitzgerald
Glendale, AZ-When the Arizona Cardinals marched into University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday they were poised like a team focused and ready to take over the world. They knew it. Coach Bruce Arians knew it. And most especially, it was the Red Bird fans who knew it, as they peered down anxious and angry from every seat in the Arena. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wouldn’t stand a chance against this rage. This was a game of redemption.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Romped 40-7 By Arizona Cardinals
Last weeks 23-21 loss to the New England Patriots was embarrassing. The bitter taste of losing such a game remained in the mouths of stunned fans the rest of the week. This weekend was going to be different. This weekend the Red Birds had come to feast.
Notables On Offense
It didn’t happen until 5:06 in the first quarter before the Cardinals were finally able to get something solid going on offense. Quarterback Carson Palmer finished a 13 play drive with a four yard touchdown to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Taking the seven-point lead over the Buccaneers was the spark they needed and the Cardinals never looked back.
Before halftime with 26 seconds remaining on the game clock, the Buccaneer defense was caught again by surprise when Palmer threw a 59 yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Jeron Brown. The Cardinals went into halftime already leading the Buccaneers 24-0.
For the game, Palmer finished 18-of-31 for 308 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Palmer sat out for most of the fourth quarter.
Fitzgerald finished with six receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown. Fitzgerald now has 101 touchdown receptions for his career. Wide receiver Michael Floyd caught two receptions for eight yards and a touchdown.
Can You Say Defense?
For Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston, this could’ve been the very worst game of his life. Winston threw 27-of-52 passes for 242 yards, one touchdown, four interceptions, three sacks, and one fumble. The Cardinals defense swarmed the befuddled, young quarterback seemingly on every play of the game and when Winston had time to throw the ball, it seemed none of his receivers were open. For the record, the one touchdown by Winston, the deep pass to Mike Evans for 19 yards to pay-dirt, was beautiful.
Most notable on defense was defensive back Marcus Cooper. Cooper, who was acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept 2nd, was able to secure two interceptions for the day. His second was in the third quarter which he returned for 60 yards and a score.
Safeties Patrick Peterson and D.J. Swearinger also secured interceptions.
Now at 1-1 for the season, the Cardinals know nothing tastes sweeter than a dominating-style victory, especially at home. The Cards have their first season match-up on the road next weekend in New York when they must face the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are coming off of a 37-31 loss to the New York Jets and will be looking for redemption.
