How the Buccaneers Can Beat the Seahawks

Another day, another injury. As if the Buccaneers haven’t dealt with enough injury, now Bucky Irving is confirmed to be out for both this game and the 49ers game.

This is an injury the Bucs are probably best able to manage. Rachaad White has had a quiet good year on the carries he has been given. To the point where I was asking for the Bucs to give him more carries. Which, now they will do, but this isn’t exactly what I wanted.

The Bucs defense has to be able to navigate losing Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison. The good news is that Zyon McCollum will be on Jaxson Smith-Njigba for most the game. The bad news is that we have a legitimate possibility of seeing Josh Hayes on defense. The Bucs run defense will hopefully be able to contain the Hawks’ rushing attack, a unit that already ranks in the bottom in terms of ypc. Now, as for Sam Darnold, we have already seen the best way of affecting his play. He still has some problems dealing with pressure. The bad news for him is he’s facing a Todd Bowles’ unit. A unit that has done a masterful job in disrupting offenses. The only thing that is missing is the turnovers.

—

On offense, they just need to find a rhythm. Any sort of beat. It’s that simple. This offense has not been in-sync for most the year. If they want to survive against a Mike Macdonald unit, that needs to change. The Seahawks have one of the best defenses in all facets of play. However, they will be missing some players in their secondary, which leaves an opportunity for Emeka and or Godwin to feast. Missing Bucky will hurt, but Rachaad and Tucker will hopefully provide an outlet for Baker. The Bucs have already faced some good defenses, so they aren’t unaccustomed to this challenge, but this will still be a test.

I think if both teams were at full health, I would be comfortable saying the Bucs should win. They’re just more talented then the Seahawks in my opinion. However, it is a lot murkier given the state of both teams. I have been saying this often, but given what both team’s strengths are, I am once again seeing another gross defensive struggle. The thing that will decide the game for both teams is if their offenses can break through depleted secondaries. The Bucs need to start strong on both sides of the ball, and if they can, then they might be able to pull of a key win.

That body Mac Jones saw outside the hotel was just the Bucs roster.