Seemingly against all odds, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are approaching this Sunday's home opener against the Chicago Bears with one mindset: Keep the good times rolling.
Tampa Bay marched up to Minnesota and pulled off an upset win over the Vikings, but looked more impressive than expected in the process. Given how much malarkey was shoveled on top of the Bucs this offseason, the fact that the team is off to a 1-0 start is even sweeter than it otherwise would have been.
As great as the win last week was, attention needs to shift toward how the Bucs can keep on winning. On paper their chances look good, as a completely lost Chicago Bears team is stumbling into Raymond James Stadium after getting spanked by the Green Bay Packers last Sunday.
It was a loss so devastating that one Bears beat writer said he's never seen such low morale this early in the season. That's good news for the Bucs, but they'll need more than sour spirits to pull off another victory and remain undefeated.
3 players who need to step up for Buccaneers in Week 2
Vita Vea, NT
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Buccaneers win over Minnesota last week was how well the defense played. It wasn't surprising to see the unit play like it belongs near the top of the league, but it was a pleasant surprise to see things clicking so well so early.
Vita Vea can lead that charge again in Week 2.
He's already dominated an NFC North offensive line, and now he's going up against one that is significantly weaker without its starting right guard.
Without their starting center, the Vikings were taken to church on Sunday by Vea's ability to wreck plays before they could get started:
Vita Vea (#50) doing Vita Vea things pic.twitter.com/O5VXf78k8z
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 14, 2023
Nate Davis is out for the Bears, with backup Ja'Tyre Carter stepping up in his absence. Chicago also elevated offensive lineman Aviante Collins from the practice squad, which means it could be another feast for Vea in Week 2.