The Pewter Plank
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Five Most Important Games on the Buccaneers’ Schedule

By Alan Schechter

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) with offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 38-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) with offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 38-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly smiles during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly smiles during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Week Seven: at San Francisco

After the bye, the Bucs open this part of the schedule by taking a trip out west to take on the 49ers.  It may be Colin Kaepernick leading the way on offense, it may be Blaine Gabbert.  What we do know is that it is Chip Kelly getting his second chance to bring his up tempo brand of football to the NFL.  It didn’t sustain in Philadelphia, can it work out west?

On paper, the Bucs should win this one fairly easily.  At 5-11, the Niners were only one game worse than Tampa last year, but all over the field, the talent in Pewter is simply superior.  If the defense can keep up with Kelly’s breakneck pace, this one should belong to the Bucs.

Why is it important?  It’s important because of where it comes in the schedule.  The first five games of the year, prior to the bye, are tough, as Zach Sauers discussed here.  The Bucs might come out of that portion of the schedule with two wins.  Following the bye, the schedule softens up.  When that occurs, the team must take care of business with the teams they are supposed to beat of they are going to make a run at the playoffs.

For the Bucs, that begins in San Francisco.

Next: Week Twelve

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