How The Buccaneers Can Beat The Steelers

Aaron Rodgers is coming back to Tampa for what will more than likely the last time. At 42, he is fading, but you can’t take him for granted. He still clearly has some skill left.

Bowles vs Rodgers 

Todd Bowles has actually been fairly good at containing Rodgers as both HC and DC. He has a 1-2 record against Bowles since he joined the Tampa staff. On top of that, he has 5 TDs/4 picks, 9 sacks, and a 82.6 passer rating. Not the worst, but for Rodgers, not great numbers. But him being on the Steelers offense some new wrinkles since his time in Green Bay.

The LB will have to make a lot of plays. The Steelers best weapons are at TE and RB. Jaylen Warren isn’t just the leading rusher for the Steelers, he is also the leading receiver. He absolutely went off against the Colts defense and is easily their best offensive weapon. TEs are also a favorite target of Rodgers. Darnel Washington terrifies me and should scare the defense. Anzalone and Trotter will have to be at the top of their game. I think the secondary can hold up against DK Metcalf fairly well. However, given the struggles this team has against the TE position, it may go badly there.

I would like to think that the run defense can hold Jaylen Warren in check, but he has had a really good season. I think it’s entirely possible he rips off a couple of long runs. With that said, Tampa will have to limit his impact (in the passing game and rushing game) if they want to win.

Zac Attack 

For the Buccaneers’ offense, please use the wide receivers. Wide receivers practically don’t matter outside blocking for the offense. Yes obviously Bucky Irving is the best player on offense, but you can’t be too predictable. No player has more than 300 yards receiving and only 2 WR have a receiving TD. Something clearly needs to be done to get that up. You cannot hope to win games with the receiving game being a complete no show.

For Jalon Daniels, I liked some of the stuff he showed in Dallas. But he has some severe problems with holding onto the ball too long. Also he needs to throw the ball away earlier and live to fight another day. With that said, you do have to appreciate the poise and athleticism he has shown. The Steelers defense will more than likely not give him easy answers like the Cowboys did. But if he can just be safe again and be the point guard, that would help greatly.

The Steelers will certainly be a tougher opponent than Dallas, especially on defense. To stop the Steeler’s offense, they need to get a handle on Jaylen Warren. You can’t let him bust out 50+ yard plays like he did to Indy. You also have to be wary of the two TEs they employ. With the defense being the strength, the offense just needs to not screw up. Don’t put the defense in bad places and it should be fine. If they win, they will by no means have saved the season, but it gets them closer to coming back.