How the Buccaneers Can Beat the Texans

I do not think the Buccaneers are going to be in for an offensive shootout. Now, as it turns out for last week, the Falcons may just have a really good defense. At least, based upon the heinous crimes they committed on the Vikings O-line. But the Texans also have a very good defense. And if the offense has another slow day, scoring may be hard for both teams.

Funny enough, both these teams may have the same weakness. Their O-lines have taken a beating. The Texans O-line was already not good, but they are down their starting center. If the Bucs pass rush can’t get home here, then the alarm needs to be raised. Haason Reddick had a good game yesterday, but the pass rush needs to finish sacks.

The Bucs O-line even in its weakened state is better than the Texans, but their pass rush (on the surface at least) is superior. Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter terrify me. I know Luke Goedeke will have my back mostly, but this will be trial by fire for Graham Barton. I just think the defense will dominate for both teams. The Bucs defense I don’t think has as much talent as the Texans’. But the Texans’ offense isn’t as talented even at full strength, which they aren’t right now.

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For the Bucs offense to have success, I think the quick game will have to be utilized. I don’t remember them leaning on that much against the Falcons, it was way more play action. That probably won’t fly here. I would like more screens and other short passes. Baker looked off for a lot of the game on Sunday, and I think getting easy passes for him can get comfortable early.

I would also like to see more from Tez Johnson. If the Bucs do try to get quick passes going, he is exactly the guy you’d want used for that. One thing the Bucs did use well was the miss match that Evans forces so that Egbuka is open. Even without Godwin and McMillan, the Falcons defense (which as strange as it might be could actually be good) had trouble guarding both Evans and Egbuka. They focused on Evans, which just makes sense given his propensity to play well against the Falcons, which let Egbuka call his shot.

The Bucs defense needs to watch out for Nico Collins. They’re already down Christian Kirk, so Collins will be fed often by Stroud. I’m not super worried by the rushing attack. All evidence suggests that it won’t be a deciding factor. Not only is the interior of their line worse without their center, but the Buccaneers managed to held a more talented RB to 24 yards rushing. I would also like to see more inspired play from the LBs, at least in pass coverage. if the Texans just run crossing routes all game, that could really hurt them if Sirvocea Dennis has another stinker.

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If you were to tell me the final score of this game is 13-10, I would not be surprised. I truly think this will be one of those games which no NFL fan will want to witness. One of the more interesting aspects for the game, for the Bucs at least, are the storylines. Under Todd Bowles, the Buccaneers have gone 2-0 every year. However, there are two streaks that are fighting against them. They have never beaten the Texans in Houston and have yet to win a primetime game with Baker Mayfield under center. We shall see what is stronger, but I think the Bucs due to the talent on offense should be able to overpower the Texans defense, even if only by 3.