Packers Struggles Against the Run Could Continue vs. Buccaneers

The Green Bay Packers fell to the Atlanta Falcons 35-14 in Week 3, crushed by a standout performance from star running back Bijan Robinson. On Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the run defense’s task shouldn’t be as tough, but they could still be exposed.

Through three weeks, the Packers defense ranks 28th in the NFL against the run, allowing 138.7 yards per game. After allowing Robinson to explode for 194 yards last week, it’s more likely than not that the Buccaneers will attempt to run the ball against Green Bay as well.

Robinson won’t be in the Tampa Bay backfield on Sunday, but two capable backs in Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell will be.

Irving, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a rookie in 2024, looks back to form after missing six games in 2025 with foot and shoulder injuries. Through three games, he’s rushed for 180 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, while adding 13 catches for 61 yards.

Meanwhile, Gainwell has been used sparingly thus far, posting 21 rushing yards off 10 attempts, with six catches for 22 yards. Before joining the Bucs in the offseason, the 27-year-old rushed for 1,722 yards (4.4 YPA) with 17 touchdowns over 83 games with the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.

On Tuesday, Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon said his defense must pay more attention to detail if they hope to avoid a repeat of last week’s embarrassing rush defense.

“We got the same challenge coming up between Bucky Irving and [Kenneth] Gainwell — I was with Gainwell in Philly a little bit,” Gannon said via the Packers. “If you give them your edge, they’re going to take your edge. So, we gotta do a good job, set edges, build a wall, and tackle.”

Buccaneers Offensive Line Could Play a Factor

Entering Week 4, the Buccaneers’ offensive line has allowed the ninth-lowest pressure rate (32.8 percent) in the NFL, while giving their quarterback the second-most time to pass (3.3 seconds), per Sharp Football Analysis. With an offense ranked 27th in yards, the o-line’s play hasn’t resulted in much success, but the Packers are prepared nonetheless.

Gannon was complimentary when discussing the Buccaneers’ offensive line and coordinator Zac Robinson.

“They have a really good offense. They have good skill guys. Their o-line is good,” Gannon said. “I think Zac Robinson does a really good job pre- and post-snap with how he affects your reads; we gotta be on our details.”