Hoping to snap a two-game losing streak, the Buccaneers (2-3) hit the field on Sunday in Buffalo against the Bills (3-2). Here, we preview the 1:00 p.m. matchup and tell you where to watch and listen to it.
The Buccaneers had a chance to make a statement last Sunday against the Cardinals. Instead, they fell behind 24-0 before falling 38-33. Quarterback Jameis Winston went down early and was later diagnosed with a sprained joint in his shoulder. He didn’t throw until Friday’s practice, which had his status up in the air for Sunday’s game. The injury report lists him as questionable, but head coach Dirk Koetter said after practice that his third-year quarterback would be good to go against the Bills.
Tampa Bay has struggled to find any sort of consistency this year. Its offense is suffering from slow starts, the defense is suspect and the kicking game already cost them one game. Everyone is still waiting for the true arrival of a team that was picked by many to return to the playoffs this year. For whatever reason, the team hasn’t found itself yet. With a big divisional matchup with the Panthers looming, the Bucs could use a momentum-boosting win on Sunday.
Sunday’s game certainly isn’t an easy one. Buffalo is right in the thick of the AFC East race through six weeks of the season. The Patriots lead the way at 4-2, while the Bills and Dolphins barely trail at 3-2. At 3-3, the Jets are right behind them. With that in mind, every game is a big one for this team. Buffalo is being carried by its defense, which will give Tampa Bay’s offense yet another tough test.
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Even aside from Winston’s, there are quite a few important names on this week’s injury report. Kwon Alexander, who left the season opener with a hamstring injury, is expected to return this week. T.J. Ward (hip) was a full participant in practice on Friday and is listed as questionable. Lavonte David (ankle), Adarius Glanton (hamstring), Noah Spence (shoulder), Robert Ayers (knee) and Keith Tandy (hip) are all questionable. All except for Glanton were full participants in Friday’s practice.
The last time these two teams played was in week 14 of the 2013 season. The Bucs were victorious at home by a score of 27-6. On the second play of the game, Bobby Rainey ran for an 80-yard touchdown to put Tampa Bay up early. Mike Glennon threw two touchdown passes, while the Buccaneer defense racked up seven sacks and intercepted E.J. Manuel four times. Tampa Bay leads the all-time series 7-3, but lost its lone game in Buffalo.
Where to Watch
Sunday’s game will be carried by Fox. Chris Myers (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (commentary) and Laura Okmin (sideline) will have the call.
Where to Listen
The Buccaneers’ flagship station, 98Rock (97.9 FM), carries the radio broadcast in the Tampa Bay area. The normal team of Gene Deckerhoff, Dave Moore and T.J. Rives will bring the action. For other radio options around Florida, check here. Fans can also hear the game on the buccaneers.com or the Buccaneers mobile app.
Satellite radio subscribers can hear the Tampa Bay broadcast on XM Internet 829. The Buffalo broadcast will be on XM 81.
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For in-game and postgame coverage of Sunday’s Bucs-Bills matchup, follow @ThePewterPlank on Twitter.