Haason Reddick and the pass rush and Jacob Parrish's big test highlight the top questions facing Bucs defense vs. Eagles

That said, I don't see Todd Bowles having too much success getting cute against Hurts this time around.

Bucs' pass rush stats through Week 3

• Sacks: 8 (t-10th)
• Sack rate: 6.5% (15th)
• Pressure rate: 47.2% (3rd)
• Blitz rate: 35.0% (7th)

Will the run defense hold up the standard it's set through three weeks?

Evan: Calijah Kancey is out for the year and Logan Hall will probably miss this game. Those are two big losses on the Bucs' defensive line, but the reason the run defense is so good is because of a) Vita Vea and b) the second and third level defenders are more than happy to come up and rock dudes in the run game.

The Bucs' run defense is currently of the elite variety and it faces its biggest test of the year, so far. We all know what Barkley can do when he gets going and even though the Bucs held him in check last year, he didn't have A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, or Lane Johnson to help him stay afloat. All three of those guys will be in the fold on Sunday, which obviously changes things in a big way.

The Rams held Barkley in check early-on and it was a big reason they were able to build a 26-7 lead. The Bucs can certainly find themselves in a similar position if they can accomplish the same feat.

Kelsey: The Eagles' offense is still trying to find its identity, and right now, it doesn't appear to be their rushing attack. So far this season, teams are finding ways to slow down the Eagles' run game. Saquon Barkley has logged just 58 carries for 194 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. He also hasn't rushed over 20 yards on a single carry yet. At least on paper, it doesn't look like he's going to have a breakout game versus the Bucs.

How does Jacob Parrish handle DeVonta Smith when he's in the slot?

Evan: DeVonta Smith has been the Eagles' primary slot target so far this year, amassing 14 of his 19 targets from the inside. He's been productive, although inefficient. Still, he represents a mismatch for most opposing defenses when lined up in the slot.

It's looking like the Bucs are going to be without Christian Izien, their primary nickel, this week. That leaves third-round rookie Jacob Parrish to man the job in his stead. He may be a rookie, but he's already played 116 slot snaps through three games and he's flashed plenty of times.

Parrish plays fast and physical and has been great in run support, along with blitzing off the edge. He's allowed seven of eight targets to be completed, however, and while it's resulted in a minimal 36 yards and a touchdown, it's clear coverage is still a work-in-progress.

In terms of skill set, both players match up well. We'll see if Parrish can make some plays in pass defense. If not, it could be a big day for Smith.

Kelsey: This will be an exciting matchup and really test whether the rookie cornerback can hang with the big dogs. DeVonta Smith, the Eagles' No. 2 wide receiver, has hauled in a total 15 catches for 129 yards and one score in three games this season. Meanwhile, Parrish has made an immediate impact for the Bucs with an overall 78.5 PFF grade after last week, which put him 7th amongst all cornerbacks. This matchup will come down to how well the Eagles' offensive line holds up and Jalen Hurts performs under pressure and against the blitz, but if it's anything like the last three weeks, then Smith should have it his way.

DeVonta Smith's slot stats among 19 WRs with at least 10 slot targets

• Receptions: 14 (2nd)
• Receiving yards: 105 (7th)
• Receiving touchdowns: 1 (t-3rd)
• Yards per route run: 1.72 (12th)

Who matches up with Saquon Barkely in pass defense?

Evan: Barkley is as lethal as they come on the ground, but he's also one of the NFL's better pass-catching backs and he's just as dangerous after the catch. He can be lined up and used just about anywhere that makes sense, making life that much harder containment-wise.

One of the biggest weaknesses on the Bucs defense through three games is SirVocea Dennis in pass coverage. It's still early, but he's really struggled when give the task of keeping up with running backs in the pass game, so it'll be curious to see if the Bucs deploy him, first. Honestly, it may be a better idea to put Lavonte David in coverage and have Dennis fill more of his role, even with the fact David is 35 and Dennis is 25.

Dennis isn't the only option, but based on how defenses work, he'll be the main one. It'll be interesting to see if the Bucs mix it up, and if they don't, then Dennis vs. Barkley on passing downs is easily one of the biggest storylines to keep track of on Sunday.

Kelsey: The goal for the Eagles has been for Saquon Barkley to get more involved in the passing game, and so far, he has 10 catches on 12 targets for 39 yards. Sure, he's an option there, but nothing will ever beat A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts' connection in the passing game. But if Brown can't get open, Hurts will go to the next guy, and that could be Barkley, who will, without a doubt, make the play. Barkley's pass-blocking skills are also elite. No matter what, SirVocea Dennis, will have his hands full.

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