The Pewter Plank
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How Do the Buccaneers Slow Down the Raiders’ Offense?

By Alan Schechter

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs onto the field before their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs onto the field before their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) in action during the game in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) in action during the game in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Force Long Passing Situations

The Bucs are set to finally get their defensive line healthy this week, and it comes at a perfect time against one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL. They boast a great wide receiver duo in Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, and have a quarterback in Derek Carr that will feed them. Protecting Carr is an expensive offensive line with former Buccaneer left tackle Donald Penn still holding down the blind side.

For the Bucs to slow down Carr and the passing attack they must win up front in the trenches and force the Raiders to abandon the run. Carr performs statistically well under pressure (3rd in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus), so it’s on cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves to hold up their end of the bargain in coverage. If the Buccaneer front seven can win in the run game and force the Raiders into long passing downs they can unleash Noah Spence and Robert Ayers and hopefully come away with some sacks.

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