The NFL isn’t like any other sports league. Every week is a different week. There are no guaranteed wins.
Denver wins if their defense is able to take advantage of a weak right side of our offensive line (if Goedeke is out injured). Although they don’t have anyone the likes of Aiden Hutchinson, they do have decent edge pass rushers. They will also bring pressure with blitzes. Can they be the first team to get into Baker’s head this year and force an ill-advised throw? If they can keep our running game off the tracks, then they may have a chance to win this game.
Tampa Bay wins if their offense can keep Denver off balance. Yes, many Bucs fans want the running game to take off, but more importantly, we need to take what the defense gives us. Hit their weakness, don’t force something that’s not there. Now, I do feel we can run the ball against them. If Denver doesn’t consistently go 2 high, then hopefully Evans can take advantage of Surtain in a few of the man-to- man coverage opportunities. We will need to use the screen more since Denver will blitz. Hopefully we won’t need to keep guys in to chip too much, because it does take away from route concepts.
Denver wins if their offense can move the pocket with play action sprint outs and quick passes. We were well game planned for Detroit, but we spent all offseason studying them. How do we do with a week to plan for Sean Payton? Payton hates the Bucs and he has had a lot of success against Bowle’s defense. He has an excellent screen game. He worries me that they will keep us off-balance with his play calling and getting the ball out of Bo’s hand quickly, which is his strength.
Tampa Bay wins if their defense can continue to be patient on defense. I’ve said it for 3 years… less blitzing and more letting our coverage work. We brought timely run blitzes on first down against the Lions. And then we played 4 man rush with multiple zone coverages behind it on most 2nd and 3rddowns. This only works with good tackling, and our tackling was very good last week. I mentioned the last two weeks that both Washington and Detroit should throw on first down against us. Our strategy is to stop the run on first down and get teams in 2ndand long. We’ve been successful with that so far. This week, as with every week, we need to not breakdown in communication and coverage. So far we’ve held up.
I predict a Bucs win, but would never guarantee it. A loss to the Broncos would be a huge deflate, but I think Bowles is doing a good job of having us take it one game at a time.
The Bucs win if they can force Nix into making mistakes. I'm pretty confident the Bucs can make Bo Nix miserable. If they do, they need to turn those bad throws into that into interceptions.
The Broncos win if they can keep the game a low scoring defensive struggle.
The only way the Bucs could lose this game is if they are complacent are not mentally/emotionally charged up to play this game. If the players think this is an easy win it could become an easy loss. The Bucs should win by double digits.
Jonathon Cooper is capable of wrecking the game. Probably the best pass rusher nobody knows about.
This is pivotal game. Would be our first 3-0 start in nearly 20 years
we are just about touchdown favorites at home. This is a should win game and would put us in a good spot, we are thinking we can beat anyone.
we lose and confidence is shattered and we are questioning our route to 9 wins
I think if we can score a TD in the opening drive - then turn on the rushing game (Seahawks & Steelers rushed for over 100 yards each, against Denver), we can win.
Assuming we can replicate the “bend-but-don’t-break” defensive effort - and Bowles can wreak some havoc with his crazy blitz packages - then Bo Pix will have to throw into the teeth of Bowles zone coverage.
If we can do that, the passing game could be opened up as well.
I’d be happy with a 1 point win, but the book would say score early & often. Just not sure if Skule can handle Johnathon Cooper…we’ll see!
I think if we can score a TD in the opening drive - then turn on the rushing game (Seahawks & Steelers rushed for over 100 yards each, against Denver), we can win.
Would love to see it play out this way!
Still think we’re testing what we have - we don’t seem to be getting anyone back - and we’re not even sure if Vita is in/out.we lose and confidence is shattered and we are questioning our route to 9 wins
i believe the players want this win, but I actually wonder if a loss would demoralize this group? Seems like a full roster is going to be ready in about 1 or 2 more weeks. Would be nice to get a victory while giving the starters a chance to really heal up.
Just doing some pondering …
Still think we’re testing what we have - we don’t seem to be getting anyone back - and we’re not even sure if Vita is in/out.we lose and confidence is shattered and we are questioning our route to 9 wins
i believe the players want this win, but I actually wonder if a loss would demoralize this group? Seems like a full roster is going to be ready in about 1 or 2 more weeks. Would be nice to get a victory while giving the starters a chance to really heal up.
Just doing some pondering …
yeah don’t get me wrong, we are down our top players on defense and we have no right tackle but that was just fine to beat the lions on the road
broncos at home with rookie QB is a much weaker opponent. A loss would be tough to swallow
Broncos likely a 3,4 win team this year
Bucs need to score early TDs and then play ball control with running game to wear out the Broncos defense. It is going to be a game of attrition.
Jonathon Cooper is capable of wrecking the game. Probably the best pass rusher nobody knows about.
Cooper, Benitto, and Ellis are going to be a handful. No cake walk.
I tell you… Payton knows how to play Bowles defense. And I always say throw on first down against Bucs defense.
Nothing to worry about, fellas. Sterling Sheperd is about to take this game over.
Horrible decision by Mayfield.
PR is looking for anyone who wants to write the "Most Impressive" article this week. Any takers?
I’ll tell you, Bucky Irving has been the most impressive so far - in a mostly unimpressive game.
