Hey, Buccaneer fans! It’s time for our game preview as the Bucs gear up for a crucial matchup against the Texans. Let’s break down what each team needs to do to secure victory.
BUCS WIN IF…
Bucs on Offense:
Last week, the Bucs found a way to win despite not playing their best football. That’s what good teams do! However, if they struggled against the Falcons, the Texans’ defense will present an even bigger challenge. They effectively neutralized a solid Rams offense in their opener, so the Bucs must come out strong.
To secure the win, the Bucs need to score early, and often. Wanting to operate long, drawn-out possessions won't be a winning solution. We can’t out-defense the Texans’ defense, but we can out-offense their offense. Playing from behind is a big task against the Texans. It will be important for the Bucs to start fast. O.C. Josh Grizzard will need to have a good plan for his first drive. Because once the Texans’ defense gets settled in, it can be tough to consistently move the ball on them. The Bucs should capitalize on first downs to keep the Texans’ defense guessing with play-action, jet sweeps, and quick screens. Staying ahead of the down is crucial… avoiding 3rd and long situations will be key against a disciplined Texans defense.
Opening it up early can put the Texans on their heels, and then allow the Bucs to settle in with the running game. I’d love to see Bucky Irving rack up 100 combined yards and Mike Evans at least 70 yards to unleash the rest of the offense.
Bucs on Defense:
Warning… here’s a take you’ve seen from me too often: let’s not overload the pass rush with 5 or 6 pass rushers for most of the game. Our front four should have a field day against a struggling Texans offensive line. Let’s see if they can pressure CJ Stroud without constantly blitzing and risking broken coverages.
Our run defense will hold up, but let’s mix in more man-to-man coverage on critical 3rd downs. Following the Packers’ example, from their game last night against the Commanders, we should play zone on early downs and switch to man in key 3rd down situations. Let Haason Reddick and Calijah Kancey close this game for us.
TEXANS WIN IF…
Texans on Offense:
CJ Stroud’s last outing against the Bucs was a game-changer for him, leading to a strong finish to his rookie season. On his way to a passer rating of 147.8, he torched the Bucs’ defense for 470 yards passing and 5 touchdowns. If he can replicate even half of that performance, the Texans will be in good shape.
They should let Stroud air it out early… running against our defense won’t be effective. He has plenty of weapons, but keep an eye on Nico Collins for a big game.
Texans on Defense:
The Texans don’t need to overthink it. They should play to their strengths and hope Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter can exploit a banged up Luke Goedeke and an out-of-position, Graham Barton. With Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, they have a formidable duo to neutralize Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka.
Their priority needs to be containing Bucky Irving and preventing Baker Mayfield from connecting on deep passes to Evans.
FINAL WORD:
The Bucs face a tough challenge in this primetime matchup. Last year, we struggled in night games, going 0-5. The Texans are coming off a loss and will be motivated for their home opener. While it's not a must-win for them, it’s a critical game.
Prediction: Bucs fall short, 20-30. Let’s hope for a quick turnaround next week!
Follow BuccaneerBlitz.com for more Bucs breakdown.
It's all about which line holds up better and which team can generate consistent pressure without blitzing.
Houston has legit a bottom 3 worst offensive line in the league
I don't know that the running game will be that great if Goedeke isn't 100% and they are still using the makeshift model. That makes it tough to sustain drives. Bucs only held the ball for 25 minutes vs. Atlanta's 35 minutes. We can't count on hitting the 30 yards shots to Egbuka. The Bucs have to focus more on time of possession even if it's short passes when the running game isn't working. A little wizardry from our OC to get some five or six yard pops on first and second down would be nice and sustain some drives. Cade Otton needs to produce.
On defense Stroud is not good when he's scrambling. We need our DTs to get the push up the middle to force him out of the pocket like we saw the Packers do to Daniels. The sacks and INTs will come if they can do that. Vea is what he is. For the most part we know what we're getting with him. But Logan Hall supposedly had a great camp and was to be the surprise player this year, but he didn't show up much in Game 1. We need Logan Hall to show up.
I just posted this as a new topic:
It’s so hard watching Coen’s offense in Jacksonville. They are moving up and down the field on the Bengals. Two TDs on three drives. The other drive was a pick in the end zone after driving all the way down the field. It’s so sweet. He has Lawrence looking like a possible pro bowl quarterback. Easy reads. Hardly ever sees third down. Ugh. Coen is good.
I just posted this as a new topic:
It’s so hard watching Coen’s offense in Jacksonville. They are moving up and down the field on the Bengals. Two TDs on three drives. The other drive was a pick in the end zone after driving all the way down the field. It’s so sweet. He has Lawrence looking like a possible pro bowl quarterback. Easy reads. Hardly ever sees third down. Ugh. Coen is good.
Lawrence is a turnover machine
I just posted this as a new topic:
It’s so hard watching Coen’s offense in Jacksonville. They are moving up and down the field on the Bengals. Two TDs on three drives. The other drive was a pick in the end zone after driving all the way down the field. It’s so sweet. He has Lawrence looking like a possible pro bowl quarterback. Easy reads. Hardly ever sees third down. Ugh. Coen is good.
Lawrence is a turnover machine
I agree with his take on Coen. I mean, we saw it last year. The guy's the real deal.
But, Lawrence looking like a possible pro bowl QB?
IMO, regarding AFC-only QB's, he's in the bottom half.
And, the video of him blowing of Coen wasn't a good look.
Lawrence would play better if he got a haircut.
Bucs win if they play a B+ type game
Bucs lose if they trip over their Ds as they have done in every regular season prime time game under the Mayfield/Bowles era
Tough game for sure. Loss of Tunsil and the deteriorating condition of the o-line coincides with CJ’s offensive decline. But we know what he can do if he has some protection and has time to dissect a defense.Hey, Buccaneer fans! It’s time for our game preview as the Bucs gear up for a crucial matchup against the Texans. Let’s break down what each team needs to do to secure victory.
BUCS WIN IF…
Bucs on Offense:
Last week, the Bucs found a way to win despite not playing their best football. That’s what good teams do! However, if they struggled against the Falcons, the Texans’ defense will present an even bigger challenge. They effectively neutralized a solid Rams offense in their opener, so the Bucs must come out strong.To secure the win, the Bucs need to score early, and often. Wanting to operate long, drawn-out possessions won't be a winning solution. We can’t out-defense the Texans’ defense, but we can out-offense their offense. Playing from behind is a big task against the Texans. It will be important for the Bucs to start fast. O.C. Josh Grizzard will need to have a good plan for his first drive. Because once the Texans’ defense gets settled in, it can be tough to consistently move the ball on them. The Bucs should capitalize on first downs to keep the Texans’ defense guessing with play-action, jet sweeps, and quick screens. Staying ahead of the down is crucial… avoiding 3rd and long situations will be key against a disciplined Texans defense.
Opening it up early can put the Texans on their heels, and then allow the Bucs to settle in with the running game. I’d love to see Bucky Irving rack up 100 combined yards and Mike Evans at least 70 yards to unleash the rest of the offense.
Bucs on Defense:
Warning… here’s a take you’ve seen from me too often: let’s not overload the pass rush with 5 or 6 pass rushers for most of the game. Our front four should have a field day against a struggling Texans offensive line. Let’s see if they can pressure CJ Stroud without constantly blitzing and risking broken coverages.Our run defense will hold up, but let’s mix in more man-to-man coverage on critical 3rd downs. Following the Packers’ example, from their game last night against the Commanders, we should play zone on early downs and switch to man in key 3rd down situations. Let Haason Reddick and Calijah Kancey close this game for us.
TEXANS WIN IF…
Texans on Offense:
CJ Stroud’s last outing against the Bucs was a game-changer for him, leading to a strong finish to his rookie season. On his way to a passer rating of 147.8, he torched the Bucs’ defense for 470 yards passing and 5 touchdowns. If he can replicate even half of that performance, the Texans will be in good shape.They should let Stroud air it out early… running against our defense won’t be effective. He has plenty of weapons, but keep an eye on Nico Collins for a big game.
Texans on Defense:
The Texans don’t need to overthink it. They should play to their strengths and hope Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter can exploit a banged up Luke Goedeke and an out-of-position, Graham Barton. With Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, they have a formidable duo to neutralize Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka.Their priority needs to be containing Bucky Irving and preventing Baker Mayfield from connecting on deep passes to Evans.
FINAL WORD:
The Bucs face a tough challenge in this primetime matchup. Last year, we struggled in night games, going 0-5. The Texans are coming off a loss and will be motivated for their home opener. While it's not a must-win for them, it’s a critical game.Prediction: Bucs fall short, 20-30. Let’s hope for a quick turnaround next week!
Follow BuccaneerBlitz.com for more Bucs breakdown.
Agree that Texans defense can expose our patchwork line more than ATL could. They can beat up your QB and WR’s.
I think it’s going to be a street fight - our o-line may be a bit better than there’s but not by much. Their defense is better/more complete.
Still think our QB is better in this situation than CJ, but think it’s a low scoring game.
Speaking just from a gut/emotion-based level, I think if the Bucs can score 20, I don't think they can beat us…but when I say that out loud, I remember blood dripping from Puca’s forehead… but Egbuka is tough/resilient, and we know Mike can take care of himself in a street fight-type game. Also think Otten should play a bigger role in this game, although if we’re in max-protect, that roll may have to fall to Bucky & Rachaad.
Defensively, front 4 with Vea, Reddick, Yaya, and Cancey will need to play lights out and generate pressures & sacks. I’m curious to see if Benjamin Morrison is at a point to contribute in the secondary? That could help, and even small contributions could be a difference-maker in a game like this one.
I’m thinking Bucs, 20-14, but that means our o-line will have to step up/improve.
@white-tiger - 100% we win if we hold them to 14. But we only did that three times last year. And it was against the lowly Giants 7, Raiders 13, and Panthers 14. I don’t us winning a defensive game.
Agree, I do think it will come down to the better offense, and I trust ours a little more.@white-tiger - 100% we win if we hold them to 14. But we only did that three times last year. And it was against the lowly Giants 7, Raiders 13, and Panthers 14. I don’t us winning a defensive game.
I just think for this type of game, our QB is a better street fighter, especially with Mike, Emeka, Bucky, and Rachaad.
But it’s going to be a physical game. Anticipating we’ll have some injuries in this one.
Gotta win this one boys. We could be facing a backup QB next week.
Houston has legit a bottom 3 worst offensive line in the league
But their D-Line is among the best.
How's their run game
last week's RB
""They came out in a look that we haven't seen," Robinson said. "Our playbook got shorter, and we were trying to run other plays to outscheme them. We prepared for something completely different. It wasn't about effort or anything like that. We were just outmatched in that game."