Arizona Cardinals: Hot and Cold Streaks Heading Into Week 5

Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) throws the ball as Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett (90) defends during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Hot: The Defense

The Cardinals defense has been the driving force behind most of the victories the team has gotten since Kurt Warner retired. The game against Tampa was no exception. The Bucs were giving rookie Mike Glennon his first start in the NFL, and the Cards defense held nothing back. In the first half, Glennon was impressive, but dropped off in the second. He finished 24 of 43 (55.8 percent) for 193 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked two times, one of which was at a crucial point in the game.

The Cards defense only allowed one pass play go more than 20 yards, and even that was a short pass that Bucs FB Erik Lorig turned into a big gain. The biggest success of the defense was exploiting the opposing quarterback’s lack of experience. The defense brought pressure on Glennon when he was under the most mental pressure to take charge and get the win, which led to his momentum turning interception.

A strong showing from Todd Bowles and his defense got the Cardinals their second win. Now they will be tested by the explosive and mobile Cam Newton.