After a 7-9 record in 2019, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering their second season with head coach Bruce Arians at the helm. Though the head coach remains the same, this is a much different Buccaneers team. Hopes are high with a high-powered offense led by the best to ever do it in Tom Brady, as well as a young, up-and-coming defense. Here is a look at how I believe the Buccaneers will fare in the first four weeks of the season:
Week One: @New Orleans, September 13th
Though this game will be extraordinarily anticipated by both teams and their fanbases, I believe there will be a slow start to both offenses. No pre-season combined with the shortened training camp may unfortunately result in some sloppiness. Consider this, on top of Brady’s first game in his new system, and I do not see the Tampa Bay high-powered offense jumping out to a hot start. Expect to see several penalties, and some mix-ups between Brady and his receivers to start the season, but don’t worry, they will be corrected.
Final Score Prediction: Buccaneers 16, Saints 23…. Record 0-1
Week Two: Vs Carolina, September 20th
After a slow start in Week One, Brady and the offense will come out knowing themselves a bit better. I expect the defense to shine a bit as well, as the front seven destroyed Carolina’s offensive line last season. Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaquil Barrett will be able to get to Teddy Bridgewater and force him to make mistakes. All around, a much better game for the Buccaneers, and something to build off of.
Final Score Prediction: Panthers 13, Buccaneers 34… Record 1-1
Week Three: @Denver, September 27th
Denver is always a tough team to read. Their defense is usually tough and it is rare that they are not in the game. With that being said, Von Miller is not the same edge rusher he once was, and Chris Harris Jr. is now on the LA Chargers. I predict the offense puts up 30+ points for the second game in a row, and Rob Gronkowski scores his first touchdown as a Buccaneer in this game. I also foresee the Buccaneers knocking Denver quarterback Drew Lock around a bit, and potentially scoring a defensive touchdown.
Final Score Prediction: Buccaneers 31, Denver 20… Record 2-1
Week Four: Vs LA Chargers, October 4th
It will be strange to see the Chargers without Philip Rivers under center. Instead, either Tyrod Taylor, or sixth overall pick Justin Herbert will try to stop the Buccaneers from winning three in a row. Keenan Allen is a proven threat at wide receiver, however the Chargers number two receiver Mike Williams recently went down with an injury in training camp. Carlton Davis has a shot to have a nice game against Allen, with help from rookie Antoine Winfield Jr. playing safety. I predict Winfield Jr will register his first NFL interception in this game, the first of many as a Buccaneer. The offense will keep rolling and Ronald Jones will pick up the second 100-yard rushing game of his career.
Final Score Prediction: Chargers 10, Buccaneers 27… Record 3-1
Three wins in the first quarter of the season would set the Buccaneers up quite nicely. After Week One, the schedule is rather favorable, and the Buccaneers will need to take full advantage. The second half of their season gets pretty tough. I hope they prove me wrong in Week One, I would love to see this team jump out to a 4-0 start, but for now, I will stick with my prediction of 3-1.
