The Cardinals Second Quarter Breakdown

Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Rian Lindell (4) kicks a field goal during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals second quarter was a quarter of penalties and mishaps, the Buccaneers gave the Cards every opportunity to take control of the game, but the Cardinals just did not want to go the easy way to a victory.

The first drive of the second quarter the Buccaneers were on the move and rookie quarterback Mike Glennon appeared to have made his first rookie mistake, when he threw a rainbow floating pass intended for Vincent Jackson and Linebacker Karlos Dansby was in position to pick off the pass, but was not able to grab hold of the ball, as he leap up with both hands and could not come down with the ball. That play would have giving the Cards excellent field position, but it goes down as an incomplete pass and another Cardinal opportunity lost.

The Cardinals first second quarter drive featured rookie running back Andre Ellington, getting the ball on three straight plays and picking up a first down catching the ball out of the back field 2 of the 3 times he touched the ball, and also dropped a key third down that would have kept a drive alive.

The third down woes begin to mount up as the offense went 0-6 in the entire first half, and the Buccaneers defense was very solid against the Cardinal receivers in the second quarter, allowing only one catch by a wideout in the entire quarter. That may have had a lot to do with pro bowl cornerback Darrell Revis matched up with star receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

The defense did a good job in the second quarter by bending but not breaking, and got some hits on the rookie quarterback Glennon, forcing 3 buccaneer punts.

The last Buccaneers drive of the first half, quarterback Mike Glennon put together a drive that ate up most of the final minutes of the second quarter clock.

The Buccaneers offense got some help from a questionable personal foul call by Yeramiah Bell, who was flagged for a 15 yard penalty on a receiver across the middle, and it appeared he hit the receiver with his shoulder and forearm. But the refs called the penalty anyway and kept a drive alive, setting up a 50 yard field goal that put the Buccs up 10-0 at the half.

The Cardinals added 2 more three and out series in the quarter and Palmer went into the locker room at the half with only 58 yards passing on 8-16 and had no sustained drive longer than 5 plays.