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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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Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo (74) blocks as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) rushes during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo (74) blocks as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) rushes during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Force Carr Into Mistakes

If the Bucs want to slow down the Raiders’ offense, they need to get some sort of pass rush going. The defensive line has taken several injury hits so far this season, but has done an admirable job dealing with the absences of some of its top guys. Gerald McCoy returned last week, while Clinton McDonald and Robert Ayers should soon follow suit. Ayers is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, while McDonald has been ruled out. Ayers was a full participant in practice on Friday, so that should be a good sign for his chances of playing this week.

Regardless of who can play on Sunday, Tampa Bay needs to get pressure on Derek Carr. If Ayers remains sidelined, guys like Noah Spence, Akeem Spence and Howard Jones will have to step up. Carr has thrown just three interceptions this year, so forcing him to make mistakes is certainly not an easy task. Not allowing him to get into a comfortable rhythm will be the key to slowing down Oakland’s potent offense. Even if the Bucs can’t force him to turn the ball over, disrupting him in the pocket could be enough to keep the Raiders out of sync.

–Bailey Adams

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