Al Keck’s Week 7: Bucs vs Ravens – A Super Bowl LIX Preview?

Monday Night Football.

Raymond James Stadium.

The Buccaneers and Ravens.

It will be a preview of Super Bowl Bowl LIX.  That’s right.  I said it!!

Week 7 and these two 4-2 teams are showing the world they have what it takes to get to the planet’s biggest football game.

If I show any hesitance, it’s only because I wonder if Baltimore can hold up its’ end. Please don’t tell Lamar Jackson I said that!!

Wait a minute, you say what about undefeated Minnesota??  I have two words for you.  Sam Darnold.  Do you truly believe a team could make the Super Bowl with Darnold at quarterback?

Meanwhile, this is a collision of two of the best quarterbacks this season.

Baker Mayfield leads the NFL with 15 touchdown passes.  He’s hit 71% of his passes. Mayfield has carried the Buccaneers to victories over the Commanders, Lions, Eagles and last week their big rival the Saints.  All while pulling down the new three-year $100-million dollar deal that looks like the biggest bargain in years.

Every week it is a Baker lovefest in Tampa.  He has single-handedly given the region much-needed relief from anything Helene or Milton.  His teammates have bought into Baker.  And Baker is giving the Buccaneers everything Cleveland expected when the Browns made him the #1 pick in 2018.

Baker has also given life to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.  Godwin is leading the NFL with 43 catches for 511 yards and five touchdowns.  Evans also has five touchdowns.  And it seems every catch that Evans makes is for a first down.

Against the Saints, the Buccaneers even showed off a running game.  The Buccaneers ran for some 277 yards even without the injured Rashard White.  Sean Tucker and Bucky Irving looked more than capable.  The Bucs say they will go with the hot hand.  The Buccaneers admit they are only as good as their offensive line.  If the Saints win means anything, the Buccaneers have built one of their best offensive lines in team history.

The question is, can the Baker outscore his defense?  Against the Falcons, the Buccaneers showed they can score 30 points and still lose. Todd Bowles’ defense is among the worst in giving up passing yards and plays of more than 20 yards.  It’s only appropriate that his defense faces Jackson so close to Halloween.  The result could be damn scary.

Remember, the Buccaneers lead the NFL with 178 points this season.  The Ravens are just behind at 177.  ESPN has one of the most entertaining matchups on Monday Night in recent memory.  It could be tailor-made for a Super Bowl.

That’s right ..I said it!!