The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are closing in on Sunday’s season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
It’s one of the most challenging games on the schedule, and the Bucs will have to come ready to play as they go on the road against an elite offense headlined by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. After bolstering their defense this offseason to complement their top-shelf offense, the Bengals are viewed as legitimate contenders.
But there remains a path to victory for the Buccaneers. The margin for victory is small, though, so Tampa Bay needs to come out firing on all cylinders. These three keys to victory will help Tampa Bay escape Cincinnati with a win.
3 keys to victory for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Baker Mayfield must protect the football
This is a game that could turn into a shootout between high-powered offenses. In a game where every possession is precious, the Bucs can’t afford to give the Bengals the football.
Last season, the Buccaneers finished 7-1 in games when Mayfield didn’t throw an interception, and 1-8 when he did. That’s about as clear-cut a statistic as you’ll ever come across.
If Tampa Bay wants to pull off the upset on the road, Mayfield needs to play a clean, mistake-free game and put his team in position to win.
Run all over the Bengals
In addition to avoiding turnovers, another way the Buccaneers can limit Cincinnati’s offensive opportunities is by running the ball successfully and controlling the clock.
If Tampa Bay can establish the run, they can sustain long possessions and wear out the Bengals’ defense.
Cincinnati fielded the NFL’s worst rushing defense last season, but they added Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen this offseason, who should make their interior defensive line quite formidable.
If Tampa Bay can effectively run the ball outside, it could be a big day for Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell.
Get after Joe Burrow
Much has been said about the challenge presented by the Bengals’ group of pass-catchers. Ja’Marr Chase is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, and Tee Higgins is no slouch, to say the least.
Containing that duo will be a tall task for Tampa Bay’s young cornerback group.
The best way to counter Cincy’s dangerous passing attack is to get after Burrow consistently and make him uncomfortable in the pocket.
The Buccaneers overhauled their defensive front this offseason, with Rueben Bain Jr. and A’Shawn Robinson penciled in as new starters along the defensive front. Players like Al-Quadin Muhammad, David Walker and Elijah Roberts are also expected to be effective disruptors coming in with fresh legs off the bench.
On paper, it’s Tampa Bay’s best pass rush in years. If the revamped group can hit the ground running in Week 1, they could make it a long day for Burrow and the Bengals.
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