Game Preview: Arizona Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sep 22, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass while pressured by New Orleans Saints linebacker Martez Wilson (95) in the fourth quarter of their game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona (1-2, 0-2 away) at Tampa Bay (0-3,0-1 home)
Time: 1:00pm ET, September 29, 2013
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
The Arizona Cardinals are attempting to recover from an unpleasant 31-7 road loss to the New Orleans Saints last week. Meanwhile the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are attempting to get their first win of the season after a 23-3 loss to the New England Patriots . The last time the Bird Gang was in Tampa was Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. At the time Bruce Arians was the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Buccaneers are currently in a sorry state. Earlier this week Tampa Bay head coach Greg Shiano said quarterback Josh Freeman would continue to start. A few days later, Shiano changed his mind and announced rookie from NC State Mike Glennon would make his first start against the Cardinals.
The battle between the Birds and Bucs will feature two of the NFL’s worst offenses. Tampa Bay’s three offensive touchdowns are tied with Jacksonville for the fewest in the league. Arizona’s offense ranks 23rd with an average of 328.3 yards per game.
The Cards continue to struggle with injuries as four players were injured in the Saints game last week. Linebackers Sam Acho (broken leg), Lorenzo Alexander (lisfranc) and rookie Alex Okafor (torn biceps) are all out for the season. Safety Rashad Johnson is also not cleared to play after loosing the tip of his finger last week.
Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett is leading the team with three sacks and staying positive. “The only bad thing is we can’t go 15-1,” Dockett said. “A lot of football left. No one should feel sorry for themselves. Sometimes it takes a good loss like this to re-evaluate yourself.”
Tampa Bay won the last meeting with Arizona 38-35 in 2010. If the Cards can’t get a win versus the Bucs they will be in trouble.