The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to rebound after being trounced by the Bengals in week one. The Browns are hoping to turn their own week one demoralizing loss into a week two win as well.
For Baker Mayfield, it's more than just another game to get on the right track; it's an opportunity to beat his first NFL team into the ground. Mayfield will have his full wide receiver unit healthy and ready to go. For the second day in a row, Jalen McMillan was a full participant in practice.
The Bucs are healthy, but the Browns may have been dealt a secondary blow that Mayfield will be able to exploit. Starting quarterback Tyson Campbell was listed as DNP (did not practice) with an ankle injury. It could be nothing, or it could keep him out of the game on Sunday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver unit could get a break from the Browns top cornerbacks
Even if Campbell is able to play, his ankle might be a problem during the game. If nothing else, he could be taped more than usual. Players say it doesn't matter, but it's uncomfortable.
The Browns saw center Parker Brailsford limited for the second day in a row, and guard Teven Jenkins has not practiced this week at all. Starting center Elgton Jenkins has also been limited this week.
Tampa has to find a way to put pressure on Deshaun Watson. He is easily rattled and hasn't looked comfortable behind center. After disappearing in week one, Rueben Bain Jr. needs to have a coming-out party.
So does Alex Anzalone. His tape wasn't better on a second viewing. He is expected to be a leader on defense, and that means he can't afford games like last week.
While the Browns are banged up, it will be interesting to see who plays and if any of them sit out.
Without McMilland in week one, Tampa struggled a bit as rookie Ted Hurst III had to get acclimated to the speed of the NFL in his first game. He caught three passes for 36 yards. With McMillan back on the field, the Bucs can take a slower approach with Hurst or, at the very least, give him opportunities in multiple receiver sets where coverage is thinner.
Mayfield is the player everyone will be watching, though. A fast start and no-foot-off-the-pedal approach will go a long way toward forcing the Browns offense into throwing the ball. That sets up Tampa's secondary for a big day.
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