Cardinals Defense Shows Grit In Second Half Comeback

Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (91) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Arizona Cardinals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals mount a come from behind win, scoring 13 unanswered points after a very unproductive start. The defense had a great game in holding the Buccaneers scoreless in the second half, and also showed up rookie quarterback Mike Glennon forcing him into two Patrick Peterson interceptions to set the offense up in position to win the game 13-10 on a Jay Feeley field goal.

This was a much needed win, when it looked like the defense was getting frustrated with the offense’s inability to get a drive going. The offensive line holds up in the second half and allowed quarterback Carson Palmer the time to complete some key completions.

Palmer finished the game 21-38 for 248 yards and 1 touchdown, also recorded 2 picks that were typical bad throws, where he tried to force balls into windows that were not there. One of those interceptions was by pro bowl corner Darrell Revis against Larry Fitzgerald, where the ball was thrown too far outside while Palmer was under duress.

Cardinal’s defense shows some grit and determination in holding the Buccs rushing offense to 67 yards on 28 carries, keeping Doug Martin out of the game and forcing Glennon to have to carry the team in the air. That proved to be the deference in the game as the pressure got to Glennon in the second half.

The depleted Cards defense did not miss a beat after continuing to fill wholes in the line up, as they lost another linebacker Vic So’oto to a concussion, who was already playing in a back up role, and it looks like they also lost Jasper Brinkley to an injury.

The pressure from Frosty Rucker and newly signed Dontay Moch was great in the second half. Moch got a key sack at the 1 inch line that forced the Buccs to punt from their own end zone and set the offense up with great field position to get the winning field goal.

On the Buccaneers final drive Rucker caused pressure and hit Glennon while throwing the ball, which caused Patrick Peterson’s second pick and sealed the win.

Much will be talked about how good the defense was and how slow the offense looked, and much blame to go around for mental mistakes causing 10 crucial penalties that helped kill drives and momentum, but getting the win will comfort some of that pain and the Cards will get their first road win since week 2 of 2012, stopping nine straight road losses.