So last week did not exactly go as I thought it would. I think it’s fair to say that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got lucky to be able to win against Carolina. With that said, the Raiders are not as good as the Panthers. Yes they also played the Chiefs hard, but they haven’t looked as good as the Panthers have in their losses, as dumb as that may sound. This should, on paper, be a game where the Bucs have an easier time.
However, in order to stop the Raiders, they need to find a way to slow down Brock Bowers. Bowers is arguably the best offensive rookie this year and one of the best TEs in the league full stop already. He has been absolutely wrecking the competition and is one of the reasons the Raiders have been in any game this season. So, the Bucs will have to stop that guy, which is not easy.
Honest to God, I wouldn’t mind just seeing Zyon McCollum in coverage with him the whole game. Something which may have to happen as we are down two LBs and also a whole lot of DBs. Injuries to the secondary and LB corp, not like that’s happened much to this team. Jacobi Meyers is also still solid, so the Bucs pass defense will have to watch out for two weapons. Especially since the Raiders ground game is non-existent.
I suppose it would be good to remember Baker’s record against the Raiders during his career. He is 1-2 against them (really would’ve thought they played more than that). However, that one won was that crazy Thursday game when he joined the Rams and saved his career. So, something to keep in mind. He hasn’t put up amazing stats against them, but he was with the Browns, so that may have had something to do with it.
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For the Bucs offense, they need to stop Maxx Crosby. Plenty of teams have had success with that one (sarcasm). He is an absolute game wrecker and I would’ve sold my soul if it meant the Raiders would’ve traded him to the Bucs. He will either be lined up on Tristan Wirfs or Luke Goedeke. I do not envy them. Both are extremely good at what they do, but this will be the first time since the Lions game they’re facing someone this good off the edge. This will likely be a game won through the air for the Bucs. The Raiders defense is not good in either the run or the pass, but the pass defense is a little bit worse.
Unlike the Buccaneers, the Raiders do not have a good offense or defense, at least as far as the rankings show. They are a firmly mediocre team that don’t seem to have much of an identity. Aidan O’Connell didn’t look too terrible against the Chiefs, but that doesn’t make him an amazing QB either. They’re also one of the worst red zone offenses in terms of getting TDs and defenses in terms of allowing tds. Also one of the few areas on defense the Bucs aren’t near the bottom. If the Bucs can shut down the Raiders best weapons on offense and defense, this is a contest they should win. Even in their depleted state, the Bucs still have a stronger roster and they need to play like that.
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