The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, still looking for their first win of the season, will close out a three-game homestand on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
It’s a winnable game, as Green Bay has looked just as bad as Tampa Bay through three weeks, and are just desperate for a win.
If the Bucs are going to earn their first victory of the season, they need to start by winning these individual matchups that will determine the outcome of the contest.
Bucs Pass Rush vs. Packers OL
Tampa Bay’s pass rush could have a coming out party against a horrendous Packers offensive line.
Jordan Love has been sacked eight times in three games while the running game has no holes to run through. The Packers went all out this week to piece together a makeshift offensive line signing three veterans ahead of the Bucs game in Laken Tomlinson, Kevin Zeitler, and Mekhi Benton.
The Packers are in shambles up front, and the Buccaneers should be able to stop the run and make them one dimensional — meaning it’s open season to hunt the quarterback.
Bucs CBs vs. Christian Watson
Christin Watson has been one of the NFL’s most productive receivers through three weeks.
He’s recorded 17 receptions for 284 yards and four touchdowns, finding the end zone in each contest.
The Buccaneers completely shut down Ja’Marr Chase in Week 1, holding him to just two catches for 12 yards. They need to commit to containing Watson the same way, or he’s sure to take over the game with his speed and downfield ability.
Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish, and Benjamin Morrison will have their hands full on Sunday, and whoever’s on Watson needs to come out on top of that individual matchup.
Bucs LBs and Safeties vs. Tucker Kraft
One of the Buccaneers’ biggest weaknesses early in the season and even dating back to last year has been their failure to contain opposing tight ends.
Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki took over the season opener against the Buccaneers with five catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. Browns tight end Harold Fannin had five catches for 54 yards in Week 2.
They did a better job against T.J. Hockenson in Week 3, allowing just two catches for 11 yards.
The Bucs need to repeat that performance, as Tucker Kraft is arguably the best tight end they’ve faced yet, and he’ll take over the game if Tampa Bay doesn’t have a plan to stop him.
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