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Buccaneers: Three Bold Predictions for Week Three

By Michael Horan

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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NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 09: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 09: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Ryan Fitzpatrick stays hot, throws for four touchdowns

This feels strange to type, but the Pittsburgh Steelers defense doesn’t strike much fear into my heart. This year’s Steelers aren’t your typical Steelers, though.

Ever since the devastating injury to All-Pro linebacker Ryan Shazier last season the unit has been stuck on a downward trajectory. After tying with the Browns in Week one, the Steelers lost last week in a 42-37 shootout with the Chiefs that saw Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes toss six touchdowns.

light. Related Story. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buccaneers are no fluke

I don’t think Ryan Fitzpatrick will match Mahomes’ six touchdowns (though Fitzpatrick has hit that mark before), but I do think that four is more than possible. The Buccaneers and their ultra-aggressive offense are going to get a lot of scoring opportunities against this Steelers defense, and if the protection holds up they’re going to hit on some explosive plays.

Working in Fitzpatrick’s favor is the pure volume he’s going to find in this game. Pittsburgh’s lone strength on defense is their stout defensive line and while the Buccaneer line has excelled in pass protection, they haven’t been able to spring many holes for Peyton Barber and company.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has shown that he won’t force the issue if the run game isn’t working, so expect to see north of 30 throws from Fitzpatrick. What reason do we have to believe those 30 throws won’t result in a boat load of yards and touchdowns?

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