Arizona Cardinals gear up for the unpredictable Buccaneers
The Arizona Cardinals are set to face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13, a matchup that carries a cloud of uncertainty surrounding Buccaneers’ starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon addressed the upcoming challenge during a Wednesday press conference, expressing his respect for the Buccaneers as a formidable opponent.
“Great week, Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving everybody. Going to play a really good football team. This team’s good,” Gannon remarked, highlighting the Buccaneers’ recent struggles against tough competition. Despite losing a few games in a row, he emphasized the talent on their roster. “A lot of really good players. A lot of respect for Todd Bowles, how he runs his whole team and what they do on defense. Offensively, they’re very creative. Baker [Mayfield]’s a really good player. They got a bunch of good players, so it’s a big-time challenge.”
Todd Bowles’ defensive prowess
Todd Bowles, the Buccaneers’ head coach, is well-regarded for his defensive acumen, having carved out a reputation since entering the NFL coaching ranks in 2000. Gannon has a particularly high regard for Bowles, acknowledging his ability to innovate and adapt. “Yeah, ever since I’ve been in the league. I would use the term curious. He studies, he really does, because he’s adapted every stop that he’s been at,” Gannon explained. He noted Bowles’ willingness to make adjustments mid-season, showcasing a deep understanding of the game.
“Has his staples, but he’s very creative. He understands the run game really well and how to attack it. He understands protections really well and how to attack them. He puts his players in good spots. He’s one of the best out there, in my opinion,” Gannon added.
Buccaneers’ aggressive blitzing strategy
The Buccaneers are among a select group of six NFL teams that blitz over 30% of the time, making them a uniquely challenging opponent. Bowles is known not just for his aggressiveness, but also for the creative ways he brings pressure. His strategies often involve complex formations and deceptive alignments that can leave opposing offenses scrambling.
In one notable example, Bowles showcased a seven-man blitz at the line of scrimmage, designed to confuse the opposing team’s protection schemes. This tactical creativity underscores the threat that the Buccaneers’ defense poses, as they work to keep opponents on their toes.
As the Cardinals prepare for this critical matchup, they are acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead, particularly with the unpredictable elements that the Buccaneers bring to the field.
