Raising Zona
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Arizona Cardinals: AP sparks fast start vs Bucs

By Scott Allen

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Running back Adrian Peterson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football on a 27 yard touchdown past cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Running back Adrian Peterson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football on a 27 yard touchdown past cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals couldn’t have asked for a better start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Welcome to the Adrian Peterson era.  The newest Arizona Cardinals player immediately changed the look of the offense.  At halftime, the Cardinals lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-0.

Peterson was a beast on the first drive of the game, which culminated with a 27-yard touchdown run.  He had 76-yards rushing in the first quarter alone.

Even Kerwynn Williams carried the ball for 11-yards on the final play of the first quarter.  The offensive line showed up and opened holes.

They also gave quarterback Carson Palmer protection.  Palmer has started the game 13-13.  His favorite target early on has been receiver Larry Fitzgerald.  Fitz already has eight receptions for 128-yards and a touchdown.

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The defense has played good enough to keep the Bucs in check.  They allowed a couple of big catches by their tight ends to extend drives but nothing major.

The secondary has played well so far, not allowing anything to Bucs quarterbacks.  Starting quarterback Jameis Winston had to leave the game with an injury.  He was replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick with a little over five minutes left in the first half.

The Cardinals scored on their first four drives.  The first three were touchdowns and settled for a Phil Dawson field goal on their fourth drive.

The Cardinals were lucky to put three up on the board on that drive as Palmer fumbled a snap on first and goal but got it back.  Then he was sacked on third and goal with no receiver open.

Fitzpatrick was able to move the ball on the Bucs final first half drive.  They got the ball down to the Arizona 39 before they decided to go for it on fourth down.  It was successful.

The Bucs got themselves into the red zone and went for it on fourth down.  Not a good move.  Fitzpatrick threw to receiver Mike Evans.  He happened to be covered by cornerback Patrick Peterson.  Guess how that turned out for Tampa?

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