Arizona Cardinals: 3 things that need to continue

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the second half of the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the second half of the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Running back Adrian Peterson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football past defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Running back Adrian Peterson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football past defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Balance

It is always easier said than done but the Cardinals found balance on Sunday.  They were equally effective in the running game as they were in the passing game against Tampa Bay.

The Cardinals ran the ball 35 times.  They threw the ball just 22 times.  Now, while that’s not exactly a balance, that is the way you want to see your team tipping the scales.

If a team is running 35 times against 22 passes in the NFL, your team is likely winning said game. Despite the comeback the Cardinals allowed after being up 31-0, they never relinquished the lead.

The Cardinals were able to set up the pass with an effective rushing attack.  Most of the work was done by Peterson on the ground but there were even a couple of nice runs by backup Kerwynn Williams.

Then in the passing game both quarterback Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald were spot on.  Each had one slip up but that worked itself out in the end.  When balance happens that means no 50 passing attempts, meaning playing from behind.

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