Week 10 is nothing short of a heavyweight bout for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and yet another measuring stick game to see just how good the team really is.
The New England Patriots enter Raymond James Stadium, piping hot on a six-game win streak. The Bucs would love to prove that their Week 7 disaster against Detroit was merely a blip on the radar, and fans are eager to see offensive reform.
It's not going to be a stroll along the riverwalk, though. New England is coming to town hoping to also establish itself as a Super Bowl contender and a win over the Bucs would be huge for Drake Maye's ascent.
While the Bucs seem to be the better team, there are more than a few ways the Patriots can ruin their day and set Tampa Bay back in its pursuit of a top playoff spot.
QB Drake Maye
This wouldn't be an accurate list without highlighting the standout second-year Quarterback. Maye leads the league in completion percentage, and is top five in touchdowns, and passing yards. The 2024 3rd overall pick even broke Tom Brady's single game completion percentage record against the Titans in Week 7.
With all the passing accomplishments, Maye can scramble effectively as well. The 23-year-old has 270 rushing yards this season, a difficult counter to his elite passing. For the Bucs to find defensive success, it starts with stopping Maye.
Through eight games, Tampa Bay hasn't found much success stopping the pass. Ranked 22nd in passing yards per game, the Buccaneer's secondary has their hands full in Week 10.
X-factors the Buccaneers can't take for granted in Week 10 vs. Patriots
The run game
The Patriots' defense thrives in stopping the run. They are first in rush yards per game allowed, averaging 59 the previous three weeks. This isn't a good sign, with starting running back Bucky Irving likely out on Sunday. Unfortunately, his replacement has been highly inefficient, averaging 3.7 yards per carry.
Last week, the Patriots held Falcons' star running back Bijan Robinson to an uninspiring 46 rushing yards. In Week 5, Bills running back James Cook was held to 49 yards in a close Patriots victory.
The Bucs must get the rushing game going early, before they are forced to bail. With multiple playmakers out with injuries, the Bucs must rely on the run for offensive explosiveness against a strong Patriots defense.
OLB Harold Landry
Patriots linebacker Harold Landry has dominated opposing offensive lines this season. The veteran has tallied 5.5 sacks and gathered 31.5 in his previous three seasons.
Baker Mayfield has been sacked eight times over the last three games and 17 times this season. Thankfully, Landry and LB K'Lavon Chaisson are the main guys to watch out for. These two combine for more than half the team's sacks this season.
If the Bucs can keep these two in check, Mayfield should have plenty of time to find open receivers.