The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a tough test on Monday Night Football. If the Bucs want to topple the Pittsburgh Steelers, they need to focus on these areas.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. After a historic start to the season, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick looks to lead the Bucs to what would be a stunning 3-0 start.
As the Steelers contemplate trading Le’Veon Bell, the Buccaneers are riding high. Fitzpatrick has the offense zooming and the defense showed some improvements last week.
Although Pittsburgh looks like they are about to implode, Tampa Bay cannot overlook their talent. The Steelers boast one of the best offenses in the league. The only team to gain more offensive yards than the Steelers is their opponent on Monday night.
If the Buccaneers are going to continue their scorching hot start, they need to focus on the following keys.
Finding room on the ground
The Buccaneers had no luck trying to run last week against the Philadelphia Eagles. The dominating Eagles front seven flattened Peyton Barber over and over again.
The Steelers don’t pose the same threat on the defensive side of the ball. Through two weeks, Pittsburgh has allowed 152.0 yards per game on the ground.
As Tampa Bay’s number one back, Barber could be in for a big night as the Steelers will be looking to shut down Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bucs high-powered aerial attack.
The Buccaneers can add the rushing element the offense will gain another component to keep up with Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers second-ranked offense.
Last week, offensive coordinator Todd Monken kept going to the well even with Barber’s struggles. Tampa will continue to try and develop a run game. If they are successful, they can control the clock and keep the ball away from Roethlisberger.
A repeat performance of Week one would be fine. Barber rushed 19 times for 69 yards. By no means is that an impressive performance, but it gave New Orleans something to think about.
The Bucs offensive line will have to shut down Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt to give Barber a chance. With an improved interior with Ryan Jensen and Ali Marpet, the Bucs should have their best showing on the ground to date.