Finally, Bucs fans, the wait is over. Football is back… real football, that is. On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will kick off the regular season in Louisiana when the play the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome.
While the Buccaneers may not be everybody’s favorite to win this game, you should not count them out right away. The Saints have struggled early in the season for years. In fact, despite usually having a decent team every year, New Orleans has not won an opening game since 2013. In addition to that, they will have to face the Bucs without their star running back Mark Ingram, who will sit out the first four games due to a suspension. However, they have last year’s rookie sensation Alvin Kamara stepping in for the suspended Ingram. Tampa Bay’s new defensive line will keep him in check and hold him under 70 yards, even though first rounder Vita Vea is still very doubtful to play, again. The Bucs desperately need his presence to slow down their opponents’ running game.
Peyton Barber, on the other hand, will continue where he left off in the preseason and run for over 100 yards and a Touchdown, which will give Fitzpatrick some much-needed space to work with. Winston’s absence will be felt, but Fitzpatrick will have a decent game, including a Touchdown pass to Mike Evans, who is going to play with a chip on his shoulder against Marshon Lattimore after last year’s altercation, causing Mike Evans to even miss a game and pay a fine.
Due to New Orleans’ struggles early in the season, the Bucs are able to pull off a stunner in the season-opening game and beat the Saints 17-14. Holding one of the best offenses in the NFL to 14 points and beating the Saints on their home turf would be a fabulous way to start off the new season.
Fire them cannons, Bucs nation. Football is back! It’s time to wreak havoc!
Go Bucs!
