After a much-needed bye week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Titans are coming off an impressive 23-30 win at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Key To Winning: Make Tannehill Uncomfortable
The Titans will be lead by Ryan Tannehill, originally backup quarterback to Marcus Mariota. Mariota was benched for the former Miami Dolphin a few weeks ago. Once again, the Buccaneers defense will be facing a backup quarterback, a challenge they have not been able to handle as of late.
So far this season, Tannehill has completed 36 of his 45 pass attempts for 456 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Buccaneers currently have the second-worst secondary in the NFL. Look for Tannehill to have a very good game and exploit Tampa Bay’s pass defense.
In order to keep the Titans from scoring 30 points or more, Todd Bowles needs to find a way to create a pass rush again, an area where the Bucs have struggled in the last two games as well.
Offensive Line Crucial To Success
Offensively, Tampa Bay must find a way to give Jameis Winston time in the pocket and create running lanes for Barber and Jones. Surprisingly, O.J. Howard will miss this contest. Obviously, his absence and that of Alex Cappa will not make things any easier as far as pass protection is concerned. The Titans have a highly respected defense which currently ranks 11th against the run and 10th against the pass. Winston will be running for his life, once again, if the line plays the same way it did in London.
Furthermore, this offense must find a way to not be one-dimensional again. Consequently, implementing a functional run game should be a part of the game plan for Arians and Leftwich.
Decisive Game For Winston’s Future
Needless to say, there will be a lot on the line for Winston on Sunday. While he certainly is not the only one to blame for the disaster in London, turning the ball over six times simply does not look very good.
Without a doubt, he will play with a chip on his shoulder. Unfortunately, this might make him end up trying to do too much. He has to solidify his position as the future for this franchise and he has to do so now. Certainly, this will be a tough task considering how bad the offensive line has been lately.
Conclusion: Bucs Lose, Winston And Secondary Struggle Again
After all, it will be the same old story for the Bucs. Tannehill looks like Joe Montana and Tampa Bay’s defense cannot stop the Titans’ passing game. Derrick Henry does not do much but Tennessee does not need him to.
The Bucs find no way to protect their quarterback in the pocket. Winston does get two scores but turns it over thrice.
Final score:
Bucs 20
Titans 31
