Arizona Cardinals

How Can the Buccaneers Stop the Cards? A Pewter Plank Roundtable

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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A staff discussion about the Buccaneers’ upcoming game. How do you stop the Cardinals’ offense?

Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians looks on during the second half against the Denver Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

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Week one is gone goodbye, time for the Buccaneers to head to Arizona for week two. That’s right, the second game of the year is in the desert against the almost NFC champion Arizona Cardinals. Bruce Arians brings a formidable bunch, and after falling to the New England Patriots last week, the Cards and their fans will be looking for the equalizer.

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The Cardinals’ offense is tough. You know the names. Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald, David Johnson are the first names that come to mind. If Fitz isn’t open, Michael Floyd and all of his friends are just as tough to stop. They come at you from all sides and will be a major test to Mike Smith and his new defense that he has praised.

With that, it’s time for our weekly roundtable. Over the last several weeks, we have been posing a question and talking about it as a group right here in an article. As the Cardinals are up on the schedule, we decided to talk about the biggest key to stopping that potent offense.

Here is what we came up with.

Each slide is dedicated to a staff member.  Click on their name to follow them on Twitter.

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (left) stiff arms New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Brian DeFeo

The best way to stop the Cardinals offense is to contain their newest toy David Johnson. David Johnson is a truck with nitrous and just knows how to get those extra yards. Johnson was a third round rookie had double-digit touchdowns last season and looked really strong against the Patriots last Sunday night.

The Bucs have been surprisingly strong at rush defense lately and contained the Falcons running backs to two yards per carry but Johnson is a different monster. It’s not like they can stack the box against them either because they have a top five group of receivers that will dominate if they aren’t taken care of. Even if they can contain David Johnson they still have Chris Johnson and you know if you see 28 it’s already too late because he is still lightning quick.

The running game will be crucial to this game and I believe the only way the Bucs will have a chance in this one is if they can contain the Cardinals two-headed monster they have to run the ball efficiently as well.

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) celebrates a defensive stop against the Atlanta Falcons late in the game at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Sauers

In my personal opinion I believe the best way too slow down Arizona’s high-octane offense is through the trenches. The Cardinals’ offensive line is full of some big bodies. Having Evan Mathis likely out with an injury this week is something the Bucs need to take advantage of. If Gerald McCoy and company are able to exploit the newly found weakness and make Carson Palmer react quicker, it could be a good day.

As you’ve seen in the past Palmer is definitely no slouch, but he also is no Tom Brady. Getting the ball out quicker is something that could help the Bucs due to the Cardinals constant look for a deep ball.  It also may help with the size differential between our corners and their receivers. Watch for the Bucs’ defensive line to prove this week that they are the real deal.

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) carries the ball as Atlanta Falcons defensive back Brian Poole (34) defends during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

James Yarcho

There are a few keys to stopping Arizona’s high-powered offense. Some will say the pass rush – Carson Palmer is easily taken off his game under consistent pressure. Some would say the secondary – the corners have to step up to slow down Fitzgerald and Floyd while the safeties need to keep John Brown from exploiting them with his speed.

To answer this question, I’ll ask you one: what’s the best way to keep an offense from scoring? Keep them off the field.

The Bucs’ best course of action is long, time-consuming drives that will minimize Arizona’s possessions. The Bucs can not afford any three-and-outs. And they have to get Doug Martin going early. The more he touches the ball, the more effective he becomes, especially late in the game.

The old saying “the best offense is a good defense” doesn’t apply this week. This time, the best defense is a good offense.

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) carries the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) defends in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Horan

The Bucs face arguably the most balanced offense in the NFL this Sunday in the Arizona Cardinals. They can attack you in any fashion they want, depending on your weakness. The smallish Buccaneer cornerbacks face a challenge in big-body receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd. Expect Carson Palmer to take plenty of shots down field to Floyd in particular.While slowing down these dangerous wide receivers will be a major key, this game will be won or lost by David Johnson and the Cardinals’ run game. Johnson is one of the most dangerous runners in the NFL and seems to get better every week. Much like the Bucs’ offense with Doug Martin, the Cardinals’ offense becomes truly explosive when their running game is strong.This week will be a huge test for Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander who will have to stay disciplined and physical for four quarters. It will be a long Sunday for the Bucs if they’re unable to contain David Johnson.Next: David Harrison

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates after scoring his 100th NFL touchdown during the second half against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

David Harrison

The key for the Bucs to stop the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive attack is going to be the front four of their defensive line.

With a veteran quarterback like Carson Palmer leading the squad Tampa Bay simply cannot rely on the blitz to gain consistent pressure on him. The front four will have to get in on Palmer early and often to rattle him a bit and get him to force some bad throws.

Even if they can shake up the quarterback a bit, there’s David Johnson who looks poised to stake his claim as a Top-3 running back in the NFL this season. He’s got the ability to bounce outside or cut back inside when needed so gap discipline and smart angles are going to be crucial to stopping the second year back.

Leaving as many players in pass protection as possible will help the secondary keep Arizona’s talented receivers from taking over, and allowing the linebackers to roam a bit in run support will aid greatly in keeping Johnson contained.

Do these things, and the Bucs have a definite chance to compete here.

Aug 31, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) gets set during the first quarter of a football game against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Bailey Adams

Generating a formidable pass rush will be the key for Tampa Bay’s defense on Sunday if it wants to slow down Carson Palmer and the Cardinals’ offense. The Bucs got some good pressure on Matt Ryan last week, racking up three sacks, but he still totaled 334 yards through the air. This week, they will need even more pressure to stop a tough Arizona offense.

Robert Ayers and Gerald McCoy made their presence felt last week in Atlanta, but some pass rush needs to come from other guys along the line as well. Especially with the loss of Jacquies Smith off the edge, the Bucs have to step up this week and beyond. Noah Spence got some solid push in his debut, but he needs to make a bigger impact this week. And if guys like Clinton McDonald, Will Gholston and Akeem Spence can step up and get into the backfield on Sunday, Tampa Bay could be looking at a big day for its defense.

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass in the second half against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Alan Schechter

Getting to the quarterback is essential to stopping a high-powered offense. The Cardinals’ offense is a group that likes to go for the big strike. Players like Michael Floyd make their living down the field. Routes such as go routes need time to develop. If the Bucs can get in the face of Palmer, those routes don’t have enough time to be effective.

As Bailey mentioned, they cannot live on the blitz.  According to Pro Football Focus, Palmer completed 10 out of 15 passes against the Patriots when he was blitzed. The line picks it up well and a veteran quarterback knows how to handle it. But, when New England got to Palmer with their straight pass rush, he was barely over 50% at 7-13. Get to Palmer with three and four man rushes, and it will be the Bucs’ day.

What do you think the most important key to stopping the Cardinals’ offense is?

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