The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Buccaneers Bets: Tampa Bay looks to stay hot against Colts

By Joshua Omoregie

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 01, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 01, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play during a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play during a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Matchups to watch for

Bucs offense vs Colts defense

The Colts currently boast a top 15 defensive unit which has been critical to their success this season. In Week 14, they will face one of their biggest challenges of the season. The Buccaneers themselves have an elite offense ranking inside the top five in passing and total yards.

In fact, Tampa Bay has gone over 400 total yards in six of their last 10 games, according to Pro Football Reference. On defense, Tampa Bay will be able to pick apart a depleted Colts secondary with weapons like O.J Howard, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

However, if the Colts can force a turnover-prone Jameis Winston into errant throws, then Indy will keep this game close. But coming off two consecutive and convincing wins as well as home field advantage in the contest, Tampa Bay gets the slight edge here.

Bucs defense vs Colts offense

The Indianapolis Colts are lead by blossoming young quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, but have been a run-first in 2019. Led by Marlon Mack in the backfield, the balance in the Colts offense with their above average defense keeps them close in nearly all of their games. That balance, though, will be tested this Sunday as Indy will face the number two team against the run in Tampa Bay.

The interior tackle duo of Ndamukong Suh and Vita Vea have paid dividends for Tampa Bay this year as well as allowing edge rushers like, Shaquil Barrett, to have career seasons. Vea and Suh against Colts own stud guard, Quentin Nelson, will be a trench battle to watch come gameday. Either way, if Brissett can manage a solid game through the air and the Buccaneers’ secondary regresses this week, this matchup becomes a complete toss up.

Home/Bucs News