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Buccaneers running back Rachaad White against the Philadelphia Eagles / via buccaneers.com

Skeleton Keys To Victory: Buccaneers vs Eagles

September 25, 2024

Life moves fast in the NFL. This time a week ago we were all riding high from a Tampa Bay Buccaneers win over Detroit and now the sky is falling after a loss to Denver. However, the only game that really matters is the next one and that would be the Bucs hosting the Philadelphia Eagles.

Both teams are 2-1 and are looking to take control of their respective divisions. This game also features a bit of revenge for the Eagles after the Buccaneers knocked them out of the playoffs last season. It sets up for a heavyweight clash of two of the better teams in the NFC.

So, how can the Bucs right the ship and get back on track? It won’t be easy against a team like this. Here are my week four Skeleton Keys to victory against the Eagles.

Pound The Rock

Despite investing a pair of first round picks in defensive tackles in recent years, the Eagles have not been good against the run this year. They have allowed the 3rd most yards per rushing attempt at 5.2 per carry. This is something that the Bucs have to take advantage of.

This might turn out to be a matchup of the stoppable force versus the moveable object, but it’s something the Buccaneers have to try to take advantage of. Additionally, it will be another opportunity for this young offensive line to get experience against an opponent they should be able to compete with.

The one name that scares me here is Jalen Carter. He has been very disruptive since being drafted last year and looks like an up and coming star at defensive tackle. If the Bucs offensive line and prevent him from running wild then they should be able to handle the rust of that defensive line.

Work Off The Run

It seems like the Eagles have been somewhat weak at linebacker for a decade. Case and point, they went out and signed Devin White to help revamp that group in the offseason (even though that hasn’t worked out). The rest of that group isn’t particularly strong and the Bucs should be able to take advantage.

This game is set up as a big Rachaad White game. Both as a ball carrier and a pass catcher, there should be lots of opportunities for him. Match him up in space against a Nakobe Dean or Zack Baun and watch White make things happen. The same can be said of Bucky Irving; perhaps more on the ground and less through the air.

I also like Cade Otton in this game. Despite giving up a lot of rushing yards, the Eagles have only given up one rushing touchdown. This means the Bucs might be looking to target their big body pass catchers in the red zone. Against these linebackers, I like that matchup for Otton.

Give Up Passing Yards, But Hold The Line

The Eagles are 6th in the NFL in passing yards, but have only 3 touchdown passes to 4 interceptions. They are also 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards. If they are going to beat you, you have to make them do it through the air.

Even if Jalen Hurts is able to move the ball up and down the field, he’s only averaging one touchdown pass per game this year. If the Bucs can bend, but not break (which is the style they want to play anyway) then it could make life difficult on Philadelphia. The key to this is not giving up rushing yards.

Saquon Barkley is one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL and Hurts is one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the game. Taking away the run, particularly in the red zone, will be key in this game. The Bucs have to control the line of scrimmage to beat these birds.

Final Thoughts

This should be a competitive game that could go either direction. The talent level is pretty close, but with several players dealing with injuries on both sides it’s not yet clear who has the edge. I’ll feel more confident making a prediction on Friday when the injury report is out.

However, if I had to pick right now, I’d probably lean towards Philly. I don’t expect the Bucs to get Vea or Kancey back this week even if they are getting closer to the field. This isn’t the type of opponent you can expect to beat short handed.