Buccaneers: Thursday night matchup at Philadelphia Eagles

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were an offensive juggernaut against Miami this past Sunday. Congratulations to the entire Bucs team and coaching staff on a complete team victory. Unfortunately, the Bucs had to hold off any celebrating due to the short week. The Bucs are on the road and face the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night football.

Congrats to the ageless wonder, Tom Brady, on another stellar start to the season. The offense had a pretty good balance in the win against Miami. The passing game opened up the running game. That is supposed to work the other way, but if it works, it works.

Leonard Fournette led the team in rushing with 87 yards and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season. Ronald Jones and Giovanni Bernard added 21 rushing yards apiece. Brady added a surprising 13.

The entire receiving corps performed exceptionally against a stingy Miami defense. Giovanni Bernard caught a ten-yard reception for a touchdown. Antonio Brown had two touchdown receptions, including that 62-yard catch and run for a touchdown, and over a hundred yards receiving. Mike Evans had two touchdown receptions that were over 20 yards. Chris Godwin had seven catches for 70 yards. OJ Howard made a crucial catch and run for a first down. Tyler Johnson caught three passes for over 40 yards. Cameron Brate, Rojo, each had a reception.

The offensive line did a great job in pass protection and opening lanes for the running backs. Exceptional game execution on offense. It reminded me of the start of the championship run from the end of last season. Offense attacking the defense and having a good balance of runs, passes.

The Buccaneers defense got off to a rocky start in the first half, but then the Bucs started to force some punts in the second quarter. The pressure started to get to Jacoby Brissett. Keep in mind that the secondary is still recovering from injuries. It was great to see Jamel Dean out there and get that interception. Gaskin broke a 13-yard run in the second half, and I think that is the longest run against the Bucs all season!  The secondary, and defense as a whole, did a good job holding the Dolphins to 17 points.

The Bucs have an opportunity to tie the all-time series at 10 wins apiece, including the playoffs. Gronk, Lavonte David, Antoine Winfield Jr are out. Thoughts and prayers to everyone on the injured list. JPP and Patrick O Conner are questionable. Philadelphia is coming off a win against Carolina. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is leading the Eagles in passing and rushing yards. This will be a tough road game. Philadelphia is a tough place to play for any team, and the Bucs have had some historic games in the last two decades against Philadelphia. Does the NFC championship in 2002 bring back any pleasant memories? If the Bucs can keep the momentum from Sunday going, they have a good chance to win the game. Enjoy the game. Go Bucs!