BEL: Getting answers for the Buccaneers matchup with the Cardinals

Bucs fans are dying for the team to capture some momentum after a three-game losing streak. They will be facing off with a three-win Cardinals team that could either prove to be a bounce-back game or a trap for this Bucs squad.

What better way to get to know a unique opponent than to go behind enemy lines and discuss the matchup with Cardinals Wire?

We spoke to Jess Root, who is the managing editor for Cardinals Wire. He provided us with some great insight into a tough matchup with the Cardinals that lies ahead for the Bucs, where they may cause problems, and where Tampa Bay is vulnerable.

Q: What has the offense looked like without Kyler Murray? Has the passing game remained efficient?

A: The passing game is the one thing that has been good since Murray's injury. The run game is bad. The defense has become hot garbage, but Jacoby Brissett has been producing. He has 11 touchdown passes in six games. Trey McBride and Michael Wilson have been putting up monster numbers. How efficient is it? I don't know. They went from being like 26th in passing attempts through five weeks to being No. 1.

Q: What is the state of the run game with three of the leading rushers on paper banged up and missing the game?

A: Well, they rushed for 36 and 55 total yards the last two weeks. Last week, 20 of those yards came in two runs, and one was a nine-yard scramble by Brissett. They are now a terrible rushing team.

Q: Who is someone on defense that could cause issues for Baker Mayfield and the Bucs?

A: The only real answer is OLB Josh Sweat, who has nine sacks, but he will often be lined up against Tristan Wirfs, so he might be negated. Rookie CB Will Johnson has been very good when he has played. CB Garrett Williams looked great last week and picked off Trevor Lawrence in the end zone.

Q: What is the biggest x-factor affecting the Cardinals this year?

A: Sadly, it is injuries. Kyler Murray, James Conner, Trey Benson, Jonah Williams and Zay Jones are all key offensive players on injured reserve. They have had their expected CB trio of Max Melton, Will Johnson and Garrett Williams healthy and on the field together for a whole game only once all season. Starting "Mike" LB Mack Wilson is on injured reserve. So is their punter. It has been awful.

Q: Prediction!

A: There is no way I can predict a Cardinals win the way they have been playing. They don't stop the run well, so Bucky Irving, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker should keep the offense moving. Brissett has been under fire all season, so expect the Bucs' pass rush to get home. Bucs 27 Cardinals 20

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: BEL: Getting answers for the Bucs matchup with the Cardinals