How The Buccaneers Can Beat The Vikings

The Buccaneers unfortunately play football today. Probably not unfortunate for the Vikings or their fans, but for us, it might not be so good.

This is not to say the Bucs can’t win this game. They absolutely can. Just like I have a chance of winning American Idol. Neither are particularly likely short of the opponents forfeiting. But, I have committed to this series of articles, so I will persevere.

JJ vs The Defense 

For the Bucs defense, to the shock of no one, a lot of focus will be on Justin Jefferson. In the past, JJ usually gets his yards, but they have managed to keep him out of the endzone. Based on how the secondary performed against the Bengals, I have some confidence they can keep a lid on the passing attack.

The Vikings WR room isn’t nearly as well-rounded as the Bengals, so the biggest worry will be JJ. There is also the fact that Kyler is just coming back from a brutal concussion he suffered in week one. I think KOC will likely lean on Aaron Jones and the rushing attack to ease Kyler back into the fold.

With that being said, we will likely see TJ Hockenson go off. Are you tired of hearing about the opponent’s TEs will do well? Well, it will keep being written until it doesn’t happen. And it will be even worse this week. Josiah Trotter is out, which means it will be Anzalone and Sirvocea Dennis/Christian Rozeboom at ILB. So make sure Hockenson is in your fantasy lineup. He might be the leading receiver for the Vikings.

There may be one addition by subtraction move for the Buccaneers. Reuben Bain hasn’t been great in his first two games. It seems he might still be struggling with his injury he suffered in training camp. He will be out for this game. This means that David Walker will be forced into more snaps. This is a good thing. Last week Walker was one of the only guys along the line that looked like they had any juice.

For the Bucs’ offense, the mission is survive. Brian Flores is on the other end blitzing like his life depends on it. I was a little harsh on the tackles last week when in reality they were pretty good, especially Wirfs. But the interior has struggled mightily, mostly Bredeson. Maybe playing his brother will ignite his competitive spirit. With how Baker is playing, it might be best to lean heavily on the running game. Although, if Baker is able to not turn the ball over, one of the Vikings’ weaknesses is giving up boatloads of passing yards. Once Baker rediscovers how to hit a receiver down field, they may be able to attack the secondary.

As you may have gathered, I am not super optimistic about our chances. I’m not going to say it’s impossible for them to win. But based on the first two weeks, I find it difficult to see a path to victory. We essentially have to see a new team. For the defense, please God have even average linebacker play. I’m now fine settling with average. And also hopefully the secondary keeps JJ in check, that’s pretty important. I can only hope the offense hangs on without embarrassing itself too much. If Baker can get going and the line survives the blitz, he should be able to attack the secondary. Otherwise, it may be a Bucky heavy day.