The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 0-3, and their Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers is an absolute must-win.
Only one team in NFL history has made the playoffs after an 0-4 start, so with another loss on Sunday, the Buccaneers’ postseason odds will go from slim to almost non-existent.
If Tampa Bay is going to get in the win column, they’ve got a lot to clean up. Self-inflicted wounds and inconsistent play have doomed this team early in the season, and it’ll be hard for them to beat any opponent if they can’t stop beating themselves first.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers must fix these 3 problems against Green Bay Packers
Pass Protection
Pass protection has been a problem for the Bucs offense this season, with Baker Mayfield being the most sacked quarterback in the NFL.
With undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels now at the helm, they’ll likely be facing even more blitzes and disguised pressures. The rookie is facing enough of a challenge making his first NFL start, and the offensive line, tight ends, and running backs need to step up in pass protection and give him a clean pocket to work with.
If they can’t protect the quarterback, the Buccaneers have no chance against the Packers.
Special Teams Coverage
Special teams had actually been a positive throughout the first two games, but against the Vikings in Week 3, the Buccaneers allowed an 86-yard punt return touchdown that swung the game.
The Bucs just can’t afford to give their opponents any extra advantages on special teams with all of the other struggles they’re trying to overcome.
If Tampa Bay wants to beat Green Bay, they can start by not surrendering any big kickoff or punt returns.
Tight End Coverage
The Buccaneers actually did better than anticipated limiting T.J. Hockenson in Week 3, holding him to just two catches for 11 yards — both season-lows.
In Week 1, Tampa Bay allowed Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki to take over the game with five catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. In Week 2, Browns tight end Harold Fannin had six catches for 54 yards.
With the Packers coming to town in Week 4, the Bucs will face their toughest test yet in the tight end department in Tucker Kraft. He’s only averaging three catches for about 35 yards so far this season, but Kraft is a prime candidate for a breakout game if Tampa Bay doesn’t come prepared to contain the tight end.
Shutting down Kraft would go a long way in helping the Buccaneers defeat the Packers.
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