It is Monday and that means ABC/ESPN Monday Night Football and the Buccaneers will have to try to get back on track at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Chiefs are undefeated, and they seem to never lose on Monday nights.
Chiefs player to watch
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins had two catches for 29 yards in last week’s win in Las Vegas, and that was with two days of practice with the Chiefs. The three-time All-Pro figures to have a much bigger role on Monday night, once he has a week-plus to learn more of Andy Reid’s extensive playbook. And even if he is not the focal point of the offense, his mere presence will open things up for Travis Kelce and Co.
Buccaneers player to watch
Running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White combined to run 15 times for 73 yards in last week’s loss to the Falcons. They face one of the NFL’s best run defenses this week in Kansas City, and their ability to gain yards on first and second down will be crucial to the Buccaneers’ ability to keep time-consuming drives alive, and keep Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense standing on the sideline.
The Buccaneers need to pressure Mahomes early and often. Doing so will limit the damage DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce can do to the Pewter Pirates defense.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bucs need to pound the rock. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out, the team needs to lean on White, Irving, AND Sean Tucker. Doing this will ultimately open up the passing game. If the Bucs can do this, there’s a very good chance they can beat the Chiefs.
This article appeared on Sports Talk Florida and is used with permission.
Sports Talk Florida
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com
