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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Matchups to watch vs. Philadelphia Eagles

By Derek Quesenberry

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 9: Head Coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the sidelines during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 48-40. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 9: Head Coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the sidelines during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 48-40. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 22: Chris Conte #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries a pass he intercepted from quarterback Mark Sanchez #3 (not pictured) of the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 22, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 22: Chris Conte #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries a pass he intercepted from quarterback Mark Sanchez #3 (not pictured) of the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 22, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to face the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week Two. Which matchups will decide the contest?

Coming off a big week one win, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into their home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. This game is a big opportunity for the Bucs; they need to prove that Week One wasn’t a fluke.

The Eagles dominate the trenches and the Bucs need to find some way to make their presence felt up front. Hopefully, the improved interior offensive line can bring the same attitude they had in New Orleans.

On the defensive side of the ball, Zach Ertz will be a problem. Ertz has become one of the best tight ends in the league and is a favorite target of Nick Foles. With the cornerback injuries devastating the secondary, it will be up to the linebacking corps to step up.

Tampa Bay needs to win the following matchups to have any hope of toppling the NFL’s reigning champion. If the Bucs manage to pull off another miracle, 2018 might be a special season.

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Buccaneers offensive line vs. Eagles defensive line

One of the most impressive aspects of last week’s win revolved around the offensive line. Ryan Fitzpatrick was hit a couple of times but was never sacked. Fitzpatrick looked comfortable all game on the way to 417 yards and five total touchdowns.

Also, their new look offensive line showed that they are nasty and will not back down from anyone. They got into multiple scuffles, and it appears the Ryan Jensen effect is in full throttle. The Bucs are to be messed with no longer.

Watching Tampa Bay’s offensive line go up against arguably the best defensive line in the league will be fun to watch. The Bucs offensive tackles will have their hands full going up against Brandon Graham, Michael Bennett, Derek Barnett and Chris Long. The Eagles have a deep rotation, and I can’t wait to see how the Bucs matchup with these elite pass rushers.

Possibly the most dangerous player on the Eagles roster is Fletcher Cox. The Bucs interior line needs to be on their toes as well. Cox is a game-wrecker, and I’m curious if Jensen and Ali Marpet will have as much pancaking success as week one.

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