It’s still early in the season, but the excitement is already through the roof! This week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off against the New York Jets, and it’s shaping up to be a thrilling match. Here’s what each team needs to do to secure the win.
BUCS WIN IF…
Bucs on Offense:
How is this offense still putting up points? With our offensive line decimated by injuries, it looks like we won’t have a single starter playing in their original position this week—only Graham Barton is scheduled to play. Fingers crossed for Emeka Egbuka’s health to add another receiving weapon. This week will require Josh Grizzard’s best work.
We need to establish a successful running game early. The Jets boast a formidable defensive front four, which could give Baker Mayfield trouble if we find ourselves in too many third-and-long situations. It’s crucial to not only run effectively but also to throw on early downs. I’d love to see more intermediate routes this week; last week’s offense relied too heavily on passes behind the line of scrimmage or long sideline throws. Let’s mix in some crossing patterns and use mesh routes against their man coverage to help get our guys open.
Bucs on Defense:
Given our past experiences, I’m concerned that our defense may underestimate backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor and think they can overwhelm him with pressure. Historically, that approach hasn’t worked well for us. I actually wish Justin Fields was playing; he’s had a tough time against Bowles’ schemes and is 0-2 against the Bucs in his career. Bowles’ defense would have effectively contained Fields from making plays with his legs.
A Bucs win might hinge on our defense keeping the Jets out of the end zone. This is a game where we need a defensive stand. Let Haason Reddick focus on rushing the passer rather than dropping into coverage. We should play more 2-deep and let our safeties make plays. I’d love to see Tykee Smith or Antoine Winfield snag an interception, and I expect Vita Vea and Reddick to each get a sack. Lavonte David needs to step up this week—making tackles in the open field, getting a key sack, running sideline to sideline, and securing that easy interception if he gets another opportunity to close the game.
JETS WIN IF…
Jets on Offense:
If I were the Jets, I’d throw the ball every time the Bucs show 3-4 personnel. Quick grass routes can counter zone blitzes, and working in play-action can disrupt our linebackers. They need to get the Bucs out of sync and then let Breece Hall use his speed to attack the defense. They might only need 17+ points to pull off the upset.
I’m not sure the Bucs have anyone who can consistently keep up with Garrett Wilson. Target him often and move the pocket to give Tyrod Taylor more time and running options. If Wilson can rack up 100+ yards and a touchdown, the Jets could pull this game off.
Jets on Defense:
The Jets must avoid giving up big plays and force the Bucs to grind out every yard. They should apply pressure with their front four while keeping seven in pass coverage. This week won’t be easy for the Bucs to sustain long drives without incurring penalties or giving up sacks that lead to punts or field goals.
The Jets shouldn’t be overly aggressive in attacking Baker. Apply pressure but be careful not to go for big hits—let him run to you. They should double-team Mike Evans, as the other receivers (due to injuries) likely won’t be overly significant threats.
FINAL WORD:
I try not to predict with my heart, but this game feels like a hopeful one. We are beat up, and in the NFL, there are no guarantees. The Bucs have a history of letting backup quarterbacks shine against Bowles’ defense, and Tyrod Taylor is no slouch—he can win games. With our injury situation, it’s tough to predict how this will unfold. Nevertheless, I believe we’ll find a way to get the “W.”
Prediction: Bucs 23 – 20 (Sticking with my original pick)
Again, another nice write up, thx.
I think both teams are going to try and base their offenses on running and utilizing their RBs in the passing game.
the Jets definitely will try to slow the game down and relieve as much pressure off of Tyrod as they can by handing the ball off in his first real start since 2023. Also, he's brittle, so they won't want to expose him to TB's pass rush if they can help it. another thing to note, is that Breece Hall has only been targeted 7 times this season, despite the fact that he's one of the better receiving RBs in the league since he entered the NFL. Probably had more to do with Justin's short-comings than any deficiency by Breece, so I'd expect that now Tyrod is under C, Breece should get at least 5 targets in this game, so our LBs will have to be better than they have been so far this season.
Another reason NYJ will want to limit how much they air it out is that besides Garrett, they don't really have anyone else to throw to. for reference as I mentioned above, Breece has only seen 7 targets in '25, and yet his 4 receptions make him the second-highest pass catcher for the Jets. Tyler Johnson, NYJ WR3, has just 4 targets so far this season, making him the most targeted WR for NY besides Garrett.
On defense, Sauce has been up and down apparently, but he will be shadowing 13 everywhere he goes on Sunday. But the rest of their secondary has been very uneven to outright bad through two games, according to their Locked on Jets hosts. Another disappointment has been EDGE Mike Clemons, who has shown zero awareness in coverage so far and hasn't been much better as a rusher, reportedly amassing zero stats through two games. their fear is that Egbuka will shred whoever the Jets try to line up over him in man, and that Bucky/White/Otton will also carve up their LBs.
For TB, the OL issues will probably limit how much Baker can drop back and survey the field, so I'd expect Grizz to shift gears a bit and predicate the offense on running, PA and perhaps sprinkle in some quick passing game to try and limit how many times Baker has to take off or take hits in the pocket. i think we're going to see TB's power running game, essentially a lot of what we saw vs. HOU with bucky and White doing most of their damage between the tackles behind duo blocks and the like to try and take advantage of NYJ's smallish DTs.
I think TB will eke this one out as well, but it again won't be very pretty. 23-19, TB.
We will win if Chase hits fgs. We will lose if he continues with the yips.
That's the x-factor for me
We will win if Chase hits fgs. We will lose if he continues with the yips.
That's the x-factor for me
That and the punters flipping field position. Neither team is showing the ability to force turnovers but that could change. I see a slugfest coming down to a few kicks to settle the final score.
Bucs win if they do not let a backup QB do what backup QBs traditionally do to TB. 28-17 TB over the Jets.
Yes, another nice write up @ehinote, and agree that this one will be tougher than we thought when we were circling this as an automatic win before the season.
Mostly because no one would have guessed we’d be playing behind a patchwork line - but the Jets have those nice ends - and a great CB.
As you said, all the more interesting due to yet another o-line shuffle, but Carbs, Grizz, Baker, and Bowles defense have figured out a way to get it done.
Mobile backups have historically given us as much trouble as prime time games - so maybe another bad juju is about to be broken.
I also have the Bucs winning, think this one will be 24-14, but I’m not quite as sure of the score this week.
this helps
Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka expected to play vs. Jets
Wonder how bad his injury is and whether he will be ok a snap count.
I'm a little paranoid of playing hurt players after last year
Weird thing about that injury, depending on the severity, starting out/walking around - it’s rough. Then the more activity you go through the pain becomes more manageable. Unfortunately, after the activity and you’re sitting/sleeping - it tightens up and the pain can get even more acute - especially the next day.
if it isn’t too severe, you can play with it, but there also may be some weakness in the muscles, and you definitely pay for the activity. I’m sure many know this injury doesn’t get better by playing through it.
Treatment can get you ready to play, it won’t be fun, but Emeka is showing pro-level toughness and that he’s putting the team first.
Rest & treatment are the only remedy. He may be limited on speed and planting/pivoting…but he’s stepping up, because the team needs him.
So impressed with him.
he can slow down a bit when chris is back
Wonder how bad his injury is and whether he will be ok a snap count.
I'm a little paranoid of playing hurt players after last year
Depends on if just tightness or tearing.
Schefter reporting Godwin and Wirfs strong chance of playing next week against Eagles
@pewter-pirate Eagles offense looks stagnant, if they play, we got a punchers chance.
Bucs 24 - Jets 16