Raising Zona
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Arizona Cardinals’ veteran cornerback hoping for chance

By Jim Koch

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Defensive back Tramon WilliamsGLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Defensive back Tramon Williams #25 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with Tyvon Branch #27 and Patrick Peterson #21 after an interception 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: Defensive back Tramon WilliamsGLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Defensive back Tramon Williams #25 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with Tyvon Branch #27 and Patrick Peterson #21 after an interception 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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Veteran cornerback Tramon Williams may finally be getting an opportunity to show the Arizona Cardinals what he has to offer

The Arizona Cardinals were losing momentum. After jumping out to a 31 to nothing lead, the Cards had allowed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to claw back into the game. They needed a big play to gain back that momentum.

A little-used veteran cornerback was more than happy to provide it. Backup Tramon Williams, in for injured starter Patrick Peterson, came up with a huge interception. Running back Adrian Peterson got into the end zone shortly thereafter, and the Cardinals were back in control.

Head coach Bruce Arians admitted after Arizona’s 38-33 victory that the 34-year old Williams needs to be on the field more. That a change was needed at cornerback didnt come as much of a surprise among Cards’ fans. Why it took so long to come to that conclusion is what’s really perplexing.

Questions surrounded number-two corner Justin Bethel throughout the offseason due to his frighteningly inconsistent play at the position. The 28-year old has continued to be a liability through six games this season. He’s given up six touchdowns already, including two this past Sunday against the Bucs.

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One of the scores given up by Bethel against Tampa Bay was particularly disturbing. The product out of Presbyterian College allowed wideout Mike Evans to beat him over the top from 37 yards out, in zone coverage no less. The play pulled the Buccaneers to within five points, and had them dangerously close to winning with just over two minutes remaining.

Arians was visibly upset with Bethel following the contest. That was a touchdown, according to the coach, that just can’t be allowed in that situation. The Cardinals needed a clutch defensive play in that instance, and Bethel just didn’t, or couldn’t, deliver.

Williams, on the other hand, was impressive as Peterson’s fill-in. Pro Football Focus graded the Bucs’ passing attack at a paltry 21.7 when throwing to receivers covered by the long-time Green Bay Packer. His performance certainly earned him playing time going forward.

Williams has been biding his time since he was signed in late July. An all-important division matchup against the Los Angeles Rams is next on the schedule. The perfect time for Arizona to make a change that needs to be made.

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