How Do the Buccaneers Slow Down the Raiders’ Offense?
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.