Zack Ertz vs. whoever covers him
Whether it’s the linebackers or the safeties covering Ertz, he is the one pass catcher Tampa Bay can’t let beat them. The Eagles wide receiving core doesn’t impress me too much. Ertz and Foles developed a strong rapport last season and he should be Foles’ go-to option on third downs.
The Buccaneers did a solid job against the Saints tight ends last week, but Ertz is a superstar. He tore offenses apart last season and Pederson knows exactly how to deploy his greatest weapon.
Buccaneers receivers vs. Eagles cornerbacks
The Eagles have good safeties, but to me, their cornerbacks aren’t too intimidating. Jalen Mills frequently gets left in the dust and Ronald Darby‘s inconsistency could be taken advantage of. If the Buccaneers have one-o- one coverage with any of their receivers, I would take that all day long.
As long as the offensive line holds up and gives Fitzpatrick time to work, I like the Buccaneers offense in this game. There are too many weapons for the Eagles to handle.
The deciding factor in this game will be how the Tampa Bay defense holds up. Nobody on the Eagles offense can take over the game. The battle may come down to the mind of Dough Pederson vs. the mind of Mike Smith. That doesn’t bode well for Tampa Bay.