This Sunday is huge for Bucs fans, and multiple players must step up for this heavyweight matchup. Tampa Bay will visit Buffalo for the first time since 2023, in a bout against two potential playoff teams. The Bucs enter Week 11 injured and bruised, with multiple starters out, but must overcome adversity.
Today, we'll dissect three Buccaneers who must step up for a successful Week 11 matchup:
WR Emeka Egbuka
The rookie phenom is coming off a fantastic six-reception, 115-yard game against the Patriots last week. The three weeks before then were pretty rough, so it was good seeing Egbuka back to normal.
In Week 11, the Ohio State standout will face off against strong corners Tre'Davious White and Christian Benford. Both are above-average pass defenders, while White leads the team in passes defended.
Egbuka has his hands full, but he has seen elite corners before, particularly last week. For the Bucs offense to find success through the air, Egbuka must get involved early and often.
DT Vita Vea
The 30-year-old defensive tackle has seriously struggled the last two games. He recorded just two tackles last week while the Bucs allowed 166 rushing yards. In Week 11, he'll be tracking down James Cook, who has posted elite rushing numbers this season.
Cook has rushed for 105+ yards five times this season, and rushed for 216 against the Panthers in Week 8. The Bucs historically stuff the run, but heavily rely on Vea. In a pivotal matchup, Vea must step up and perform to his expectations.
RT Luke Goedeke
A matchup against Joey Bosa is not the most ideal matchup in his second game since returning from injury, but that's what he's up against. Goedeke was out six weeks for a foot injury and finally returned last week against the Patriots.
The fourth-year Buccaneer is amid a contract season and has been a top 30 offensive tackle according to PFF since 2023. Bosa, on the other hand, is enjoying his best, most healthy season since 2021. Bosa leads the NFL with four forced fumbles and leads the Bills with four sacks.
Buffalo is top five in sack percentage, and it's thanks to a healthy Bosa. If Goedeke can step up and control Bosa off the edge this week, the Bucs have a shot at dominating the passing game.