The Buccaneers and Patriots square off on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium where the combined records of the combatants are 13-4!
It’s the first of 3 collosal games for the Bucs as they face the Bills (6-2) and Rams (6-2) after this one.
They have had 2 weeks to rest up and probably more importantly, do some self scouting, especially on Offense. The last 2 games vs Detroit and New Orleans they scored a total of 32 points. The Baker Mayfield we saw for most of the season was not the one who we saw those last 2 games.
The good news is that the Defense was hitting it’s stride and forcing turnovers, getting sacks and making timely stops on 3rd down. A cynic would say that the last game vs a really bad Saints Offense wasn’t a real indicator of that they’ve turned the corner. We will learn more against the Patriots and their starter QB Drake Maye.
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The Patriots play a tough physical brand of football on both sides of the ball. Maye has completed over 80% of his passes these last 4 weeks. However, the Bucs secondary is playing tighter coverage as of late so I’m expecting that percentage to drop.
As it usually does, games are won in the trenches AND by the team that converts on third down. The Falcons only converted 1 first down down on 10 attempts while the Patriots were 8 of 12! That allowed them to control the clock (35 minutes).
Even though the Patriots come in with a 7-2 record, this is a game the Bucs can and should win. They’re at home and hopefully will get their starter RT Luke Goedecke back. This will help them in the run game and allow Baker a little more time to find his open receivers.
I see the Bucs winning a close game 23-20 as Chase McClaughlin kicks the game winner as time expires.
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