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This week, we were joined by Evan Wanish of our Buccaneers community, Bucs Nation, to preview this week’s game against Tampa Bay.
Let’s dive right in!
1.) The Buccaneers look to have a ton of injuries plaguing a lot of players. How do you expect this slew of injuries to affect the team in this game and potentially down the stretch of the season?
The injury list for Tampa Bay is extremely long and right now it is hitting the secondary hard. Both starting safeties in Antoine Winfield Jr and Jordan Whitehead are out as well as backup Mike Edwards. They are super thin in the secondary and at linebacker and I think that could play a key role in this game facing a Los Angeles team that can run the football, but also has an elite QB that can beat you through the air.
As for the rest of the season, hopefully they are able to get at least Winfield Jr and Edwards back in the secondary sooner rather than later. Whitehead will be out a little while longer. Until then though, they have to try their best to make do with what they have.
2.) The Bucs defense has not been as stout as they’ve been in recent years. What’s been the biggest issue plaguing that side of the ball this season?
Injuries definitely play a role, but also the talent is lacking at critical spots and the scheme has not be as effective as in years past. Tampa Bay lacks a true elite pass rusher and it’s really hurt them against good offenses. There isn’t many people from the edge who can consistently get to the QB.
Todd Bowles’ scheme has also come into question at times this year and for good reason. There’s been points this year where the defense doesn’t look in sync at all which is not something that should be happening in year six of Bowles’ defense.
3.) If you were Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, how would you go about attacking this Buccaneers defense? Where are the weak links? What matchups would you attempt to exploit?
I would try to keep it as balanced as possible. Attack the weaker and short handed secondary with my playmakers down the field. Herbert will most likely have enough time to find those guys. As far as running the ball, just keep pounding away. Those two, three yard runs may not seem like much, but it could go a long way in tiring out the big guys up front.
As far as matchups, attack the linebackers. Lavonte David is and has been great for this team, but he can’t do it by himself.
4.) Same questions as above but flip sides of the ball. If you were defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, how would you attempt to slow down Baker Mayfield and the Bucs offense? Which under-the-radar players should the Chargers take note of?
It’s all about making Baker Mayfield uncomfortable. Once he gets into a rhythm, he is a very difficult player to slow down. There will be peaks and valleys with Mayfield at QB for Tampa Bay, so making sure he doesn’t gain much confidence early will be key. Mayfield has committed five turnovers in the past two games so being able to force a turnover or two early on may be key.
An under the radar player is rookie WR Jalen McMillan. He caught two touchdowns last week and is starting to finally become a bit more comfortable in the offense.
5.) The Chargers are 3-point favorites over the Bucs heading into Sunday. Go ahead and give us a short synopsis of how you see this game shaking out and top it all off with a final score prediction.
This is going to be a difficult game for Tampa Bay. Traveling from the east coast to the west coast which is not something they’ve really had to do so far this year will be a challenge. The Chargers are also just a good football team. I think this game is back and forth though as the Bucs will put up a strong fight, but I think the Chargers defense comes up with one more play than Tampa Bay’s does and that ends up being the difference.
Give me the Chargers in this one 26-20.