Storm on the Horizon: 0-2 Bucs Face the 2-0 Vikings
3 min read
Bucky Irving on fire | BucsLife
TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 0-2, the Minnesota Vikings are 2-0, and the Bucs have to change the conversation Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. Or we know what that other conversation will be.
The Pewter Pirates have the talent to make this game competitive, but can’t afford another shitty performance full of missed opportunities. If the team wants to leave with its first win of the season, it starts with getting the ball in the hands of its best players.
Feed Bucky.
Bucky Irving should be a main focus of the offense. The running back gives the Buccaneers a way to slow down Minnesota’s aggressive defense while taking some pressure off Baker Mayfield. Kenny Gainwell can also give the Bucs another reliable option in the backfield and keep Irving fresh throughout the game.
Play smarter from the pocket.
Mayfield’s biggest job will be avoiding negative plays. Minnesota has shown a willingness to pressure opposing quarterbacks, so Tampa Bay needs to use quick throws. Get the ball to Chris Godwin Jr., Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, and Cade Otton in space.
Egbuka, in particular, could be an important piece. The young receiver has the speed to create problems for the Vikings, while Godwin brings experience and reliability in the middle of the field. The Bucs do not need to force the ball downfield on every possession. Moving the chains and staying ahead of the sticks should be the priority.
Understanding the assignment.
The offensive line also has a major responsibility. Tristan Wirfs, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch, and Luke Goedeke will have to handle Minnesota’s pressure packages and give Mayfield enough time to make decisions. If the line holds up, the Bucs’ offense has a much better chance of finding a rhythm.
Time to step up.
Defensively, the Bucs have to keep Kyler Murray contained. Murray’s ability to extend plays can turn a good defensive snap into a big gain if Tampa Bay loses its assignments. Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea, A’Shawn Robinson and Yaya Diaby will need to create pressure without opening running lanes for Murray.
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
The secondary faces another difficult assignment with covering Justin Jefferson. Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Tykee Smith will need to communicate well and prevent Minnesota from turning short completions into explosive plays.
The Bucs are also dealing with injuries. Rueben Bain Jr. and Josiah Trotter are out. This means players like Anthony Nelson, David Walker, SirVocea Dennis, and Alex Anzalone need to put that work in.
The bottom line.
The Buccaneers do not need to play a perfect game. They need to stop making the mistakes that have put them behind early this season.
Protect Mayfield. Give Irving room to run. Let the young receivers make plays. Keep Murray contained.
If the Bucs can do those things and finish drives with points, they have a real opportunity to turn a 0-2 start into their first win of the season. And maybe help save a job or two.
