Arizona Cardinals: Can They Get Their First Road Win?

Sep 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs with the ball during the first half against the Detroit Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

This week the Arizona Cardinals are in Tampa Bay to take on the 0-3 Buccaneers. The Buccs pretty much have the same team as they did last season and are playing nowhere near the level as they did in 2012. Are they no longer buying into the system? Is it the play calling? Or is it just Josh Freeman having a slump?

Running back Doug Martin has carried the rushing load with 73 rushes for 297 yards, averaging 4.1 yards a carry and has caught four passes for 19 yards. Even with the injuries the Cardinals have at linebacker, I believe they could cover Martin well and the D-line should hold up against the rush, making Mike Glennon throw down the field.

Glennon has the ability to make big throws in open space, but he struggles when it come to tight coverage, throwing interceptions. With the way the Cardinals` secondary have been playing lately, they allow too much room and Glennon will get the ball to who has space. The secondary needs to play tighter so they can make plays or they will make Glennon look like a capable starting QB. Tampa Bay`s receivers have done well, most of them have averaged over 10 yards a catch, but Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams could miss the game and that would be a big help to the secondary

The Buccs offensive line can hold their own but can they hold up against the Cardinals` D-line? I would think the Cardinals can hold up against the rush, it`s the secondary holding up against the pass that I`m worried about. After last week, I believe the Cards` D will be out for blood, showing everyone it was just a one time thing.

The Cardinals` offense started off strong last week, but ended up losing their momentum after the first drive and just could`nt get anything going after that. In the fourth quarter, they started to get something going until Carson Palmer blew it by throwing an interception sealing the loss. The Buccs` D are not the Saints but they can cause turnovers and get off the field.

So far this season, the Buccs have 12 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and four interceptions with a touchdown. The Cards` offensive line needs to hold up better, allowing Palmer to go though his reads against the Buccs` secondary. I sure hope Levi Brown will hold his man this week, allowing the offense to stay on the field.

The Cards` receivers and running backs have the ability to do their jobs this week and I for one don`t feel the need to talk about them. This group has been doing well making plays and I believe they will continue making plays this week, score points, and come out of week four 2-2.

The Cardinals` defense have lost Lorenzo Alexander, Sam Acho, and Alex Okafor for the season. With these three being out, I don`t believe they will win on Sunday like I thought they could win this week after they won against the Loins. I do however, believe that as long as the secondary covers well and does`nt allow the Buccs receivers to be wide open, they will get their first road win of the season.

My question for the Cardinals this week is, will you be the ones making the plays so Tampa Bay continues to be the Jerky Makers they are, or are you going to let them turn into Pirates and pillage the field?