“The Cardinals Defense Is A Pain In The Butt”
December 23rd, 2022
Byron Leftwich
Yes, the Cardinals defense is below average, but not by too much. They’ve got playmakers and they’re in the upper half of the league when it comes to forcing turnovers.
And since there are no walks in the park for the Tampa Bay offense, things could get messy on Sunday if the Bucs play too much like themselves.
Sunday Night Football Xs and Os guru Chris Simms, the former Bucs quarterback, has been busy prepping for the Christmas night game on NBC and he did a video breakdown of weakness within the Buccaneers’ offensive line. He also praised Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph for his creativity in generating a pass rush without a ton of talent.
Arizona’s 31 total sacks this season is a respectable total ranking the Cardinals tied for 19th in the league. With decent cornerbacks, J.J. Watt and five-time Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker, it’s hard to believe the Cardinals have allowed the most points in the NFL. (But then you look their offense.)
“The Cardinals defense is a pain in the butt,” Simms remarked.
The funny part about Simms’ breakdown is that was primarily about the ugly play of Donovan Smith in pass protection and how teams are coming after him. Smith was just ruled out of Sunday’s game with a foot issue.
Joe wonders if Smith’s absence could be a positive for a game? Brandon Walton or Josh Wells might be up for inspired football with the Bucs providing them adequate help.
December 23rd, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Do I think the Bucs will intelligently deploy a TE to help the LT as needed? No, no I don’t.
December 23rd, 2022 at 1:56 pm
Prevent Game Plan on tap.
December 23rd, 2022 at 2:04 pm
As long as we don’t turn it over, I think the bucs will be fine. Arizona is starting something named Trace Mcsorley, and have a decimated offensive line. 23-13 bucs.
December 23rd, 2022 at 2:07 pm
For goodness sake developing an effective game plan isn’t like trying to find a cure for cancer. Line up Walton, or Kieft, on the outside next to Wells on every play (so as not to tip off pass or run). Instruct Wells to protect the inside and Walton/Kieft to protect the outside. With that protection run lots of play action and put receivers in motion to scheme them open.
December 23rd, 2022 at 2:10 pm
More like 17-16 Bucs.
December 23rd, 2022 at 2:11 pm
The Buccaneer coaching staff is the REAL PAIN IN THE BUTT!!!!
December 23rd, 2022 at 2:11 pm
The biggest issue is the bad communication on the OL. It’s part of the reason what doomed the team last week. The Bengals adjusted in the second half by running more stunts and the OL couldn’t pick them up. Brady was pressured on 13% of the snaps in the first half and 32% in the second half. There’s a direct correlation to the stalled offense in the second half and the total meltdown by the OL. The Cardinals picked off Dalton twice and one went for a TD.
December 23rd, 2022 at 2:42 pm
depends whether Bowles want to win HIS way ;; or does he just simply want to win .
December 23rd, 2022 at 2:53 pm
The Bucs may just be better off without the current version of D. Smith. He’s battered and a target for officials looking for those holds…especially on would be touchdowns.
Two of my favorite former Buc QBs…Ol’ Chrissy & Lefty. Anything they say is nonsensical.
December 23rd, 2022 at 2:57 pm
Simms is just a spleen away from being accurate
Sorry, couldn’t help myself
December 23rd, 2022 at 3:18 pm
I sort of like DSmith; but I believe not having him in Arizona this weekend will be a positive thing. I mean, at least we know we’ll have a penalty or two less. You know ,since he always, always bring a penalty or two to the game in a consistent basis. With that said:
Let’s Fricking Go!!
December 23rd, 2022 at 3:50 pm
Smith needs to be benched.
December 23rd, 2022 at 4:14 pm
Walton 2023 LT!
December 23rd, 2022 at 8:26 pm
Lol! Bucs will get rolled! 20 – 10 Cardinals.
December 23rd, 2022 at 10:19 pm
I believe it when I see it. The way the Bucs have been playing there is no way I would expect them to win. They just seem to find a way to lose. Whether it be penalties, poor performance or horrible coaching decisions it seems the Bucs just find a way to make the game real close or at least 8 times this season they lose.
December 24th, 2022 at 1:58 am
Arizona is now down to its 3rd string QB, Trace McSorely. If the Bucs lose to this Arizona team, they might as well forfeit the rest of the season.
December 24th, 2022 at 11:07 am
Buc fans, this will be a very tough game for us. Look for a few injuries to come out of this one. Yes, The AZ cards have a losing record like us. But their Defense plays fast, And they hit hard. There D coordinator, Joseph is a like Bowles. He loves to Blitz. And their Blitz is and all out one. AZ has a good rushing game guys.
McSorely may be 3rd string, But he has command of their Offense. That Stadium out there in Glendale is loud because its always closed. They have great fans. Bucs are gonna have to bring it hard. This will not be an easy game at all.