Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Seattle Seahawks: Inside the chess match

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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks evades defensive end Robert Ayers #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter of an NFL game on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Can Todd Bowles take down the King?

There is no more important player on the Seahawks than quarterback Russell Wilson. He’s their leader, the engine that drives their offense, and he’s is playing at an MVP level right now. Wilson has thrown for 2127 yards with 17 touchdowns against only ONE interception; he has also rushed for 182 yards with 3 scores.

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Wilson is a ‘pick your poison guy’; if you want to focus on slowing him down through the air, expect to see a heavy dose of ‘read option runs’ where the QB can effectively occupy a defensive end or linebacker with the threat of running. If you load up the box and try to limit the ground game, he’s got the ability to pick you apart with high velocity, accurate throws.

The Buccaneers need to get consistent pressure on Wilson and most importantly, they need to get him on the ground every chance they get. Bowles and the Bucs defense will need to see a big game out of their entire front this week. Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaquil Barrett need to collapse the pocket from the edge, but just as importantly Vita Vea, Ndamukong Suh, and William Gholston need to eliminate escape routes. When Wilson drops back to pass, the Buccaneers defense need put pressure on him to either throw the ball away or take a sack.

Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny are a potent 1-2 punch at running back for the Seahawks as well. Carson comes into the game with 659 yards and is clearly the lead dog in the backfield, but Penny was more involved last week and the Bucs should expect to see more of him come Sunday.

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