Talk about a game with escalating stakes! Both the Bucs and Seahawks sit at 3-1 after the first four weeks. The Seahawks are fighting to keep pace in the tough NFC West, while the Bucs are looking to halt any potential losing streak before it begins. With challenging matchups against the 49ers and Lions looming, this might be their best chance to secure a win. Here’s what each team needs to do to come out on top.
BUCS WIN IF…
Bucs on Offense:
I hope the Bucs were glued to the screen watching Thursday night’s Rams vs. 49ers showdown—two brilliant offensive minds (McVay and Shanahan) going head-to-head. Their offensive styles have many similarities to ours, especially with Liam Coen’s influence from his time with McVay. Bucs OC Josh Grizzard learned under Coen last year, and I’m hoping to see him take some risks and spread the ball around like we saw in that game. Despite injuries, the 49ers found ways to succeed by letting Mac Jones throw early and designing quick-release pass plays.
The Seahawks boast one of the top three run defenses in the NFL and can pressure the quarterback effectively on third downs. This means if we stubbornly run the ball on first downs without success, we’ll likely find ourselves in long third-down situations, making for a tough day in Seattle. Grizzard can help manage these scenarios. I want to see a variety of screens—get Rachaad White and Sean Tucker involved in the open field with linemen in front of them. Quickly get the ball to Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., and Tez Johnson outside and let them make plays in space. And how about bringing back the delayed screen to the tight end? Move the ball around and then take your shots downfield while allowing White and Tucker to find their rhythm as the game progresses. Most importantly… START FAST!
Bucs on Defense:
This could be the game where we rack up multiple sacks—and yes, maybe even multiple interceptions. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold isn’t afraid to throw the ball downfield, and he connects on a lot of those attempts. But in the NFL, the longer the ball is in the air, the more opportunities our athletes have to make a play. We have some guys who can capitalize on that.
The Seahawks have struggled with consistency in their running game this season. I’m hoping the Bucs can generate pressure with their front four during passing situations on third downs. Vita Vea should have some advantageous matchups that he can exploit on the inside. Let’s build on the defensive success from the second half against the Eagles. And don’t forget… START FAST!
SEAHAWKS WIN IF…
Seahawks on Offense:
Given the Seahawks' struggles with the run game this year and the strength of the Bucs’ run defense, it wouldn’t be wise for Seattle to try establishing the run early. Instead, they should replicate the Eagles’ strategy from last week. The Bucs don’t always match personnel on defense, especially on first down. The Eagles took advantage of this by spreading the field and hitting Saquon Barkley with a pass out of the backfield on their first play for a first down. Seattle should exploit our stubbornness by throwing the ball on first down until the Bucs adjust. If the Seahawks can do this, they have a good chance of scoring early, especially since the Bucs haven’t kept points off the board on their first defensive drive all season.
Seahawks on Defense:
The Seahawks’ defense is impressive and often underrated. They fly around the field, and if they can slow the Bucs down early and build a lead, the Bucs’ offense may struggle. This is not a defense you want to face while playing from behind.
FINAL WORD:
The Bucs are banged up and will be missing some key starters, but in the NFL, injuries are part of the game. This will be a tough matchup even if we were at full strength. Seattle is solid in all aspects and could take advantage of our special teams issues. Still, I believe the Bucs have a shot—especially if they can come up with an interception or two.
Prediction: Bucs win 27-23.