Buccaneers vs. Seahawks: 5 key matchups to watch closely

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)
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)
6 of 6
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 and teammate wide receiver Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown against the New York Giants in the first quarter during the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 and teammate wide receiver Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown against the New York Giants in the first quarter during the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Mike Evans/Chris Godwin vs. Seahawks’ CBs

As mentioned earlier, the Seahawks have the 19th rated defense against the pass this season; this should be music to the Bucs’ ears as they have the league’s best one-two punch at the wide receiver position this year. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are well on their way to double-digit touchdowns and 1,200 receiving yards for the pewter and red this season.

Going up against Tre Flowers and Shaquill Griffin at the cornerback positions for the Seahawks, Evans and Godwin should be able to feast today. Given that former Buccaneer Bradley McDougald is heading up the safety group in Seattle as well, the pewter and red receivers should have no trouble getting overtop of the defense either.

Given that the Seattle defense is not exactly privy to stopping the run either, this could be a game for offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich to flex his guns a little bit and show balance on the offensive side of the ball. While “establishing the run” is a myth in today’s NFL, establishing your playmakers is not.

Get the ball to Evans and Godwin early and often, and running lanes for Ronald Jones and Peyton Barber may just spring open. The advantage on the outside favors Evans and Godwin, but it is up to Winston and Leftwich to get the ball to them and put the pewter and red in the best position to win.

Schedule