Hagen’s Week 8 Preview – Bucs @ Bengals

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After a much-needed victory in overtime, the Bucs are now headed to Cincinnati to play the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals are coming off of a devastating 45-10 loss against the high-flying Kansas City Chiefs that puts their record at 4-3.

Cincinnati will try to bounce back from this blowout in front of their home crowd, playing against Tampa Bay. The Bengals’ quarterback is Andy Dalton, a capable young passer who has thrown for 1,822 yards and 15 touchdowns so far. Keeping star wide receiver AJ Green in check will be a key to winning this game for Brent Grimes and the Bucs, who will have their hands full with this dangerous Bengals offense. Green already has 611 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.

In addition to a highly effective passing game, the Bengals have a high-caliber running back in Joe Mixon. Mixon is averaging almost 4.6 yards per carry and is always a force to be reckoned with. With Kwon Alexander out for the season, it will be even more difficult to contain Joe Mixon and the Bengals.

In addition to their captain Kwon Alexander, the Bucs will have to play without pro bowler Gerald McCoy and Vinny Curry, which does not exactly make things any easier for the Bucs. However, Carl Nassib filled in nicely last week for Curry. Hopefully he will continue his stellar play against the Bengals.

Offensively, the Buccaneers might have to do without starting running back Peyton Barber, who is still listed as questionable for the game. The Bengals have a below-average defense. The Bucs must take advantage of this weakness if they want a legitimate chance at winning this game. Cincinnati allows almost 128 yards on the ground on average. This might be a good chance to finally get Tampa’s weak running attack going. Speaking of good chances, rookie Ronald Jones might get his first start if Barber cannot play. This would be a great scenario for him against one of the weaker run defenses in the NFL.

All in all, this will be a very tough road game for Tampa Bay. The Bengal’s pass rush is excellent. Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins will make life miserable for the Buccaneers’ offensive line and for Jameis Winston. Winston needs to find a way to get rid of the ball quickly in this one; otherwise things could get ugly.

If the Bucs can manage to commit no more than one turnover in this game, they will escape the jungle with a win!

Final score: 24-21 Bucs!

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