Greg’s Pirate Picks: Buccaneers vs Vikings

The struggling 0-2 Buccaneers host the undefeated 2-0 Vikings at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.

And “host” isn’t a word I chose by accident.

Invasion?

Friday night, I attended a fan meet-and-greet party, and it was about 70% filled with Vikings fans, singing their fight song and doing their SKOL clap.

I fully expect Raymond James Stadium to be a sea of purple on Sunday. I’m just hoping “Purple Rain” is playing after the game to symbolize tears of defeat.

Things are so bad that I even had to change my picture from a menacing pirate to a sad one.

OFFENSE: ⚔️ Vikings

Both teams seem to be stuck in the mud offensively.

The Bucs, despite what Todd Bowles has said, have been susceptible to tight ends catching passes over the middle and finding wide-open spaces. The Vikings have a pretty good one in T.J. Hockenson, along with one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in Justin Jefferson.

Bucky Irving has been the most productive Buc through the first two games, and the Bucs will need to find ways to get him involved early and often.

Tyler Murray returns after suffering a concussion, while Baker Mayfield has already turned the ball over four times in two games — three fumbles and one interception.

Against a Vikings defense that loves to bring pressure, the Bucs offense can’t afford to give away possessions.

DEFENSE: ⚔️ Vikings

The Bucs’ problems in coverage are well documented.

Meanwhile, Brian Flores has been bringing pressure at an incredible rate, blitzing quarterbacks on approximately 70% of their dropbacks.

If the Bucs’ offensive line doesn’t return to the form we thought it would have coming into the season, this could be a long and painful afternoon.

The Bucs have struggled to get off the field, and giving Justin Jefferson and Hockenson opportunities against a defense that has already had coverage breakdowns is a recipe for trouble.

SPECIAL TEAMS: ⚔️ Bucs

The lone bright spot for the Bucs through the first two weeks has been their kickoff return and coverage units.

They have returned a kickoff 40-plus yards in consecutive weeks. Could this finally be the week they take one all the way to the house?

If the Bucs are going to pull off the upset, special teams could once again play a major role.

COACHING: ⚔️ Vikings

Todd Bowles is coaching for his career once again.

The defensive breakdowns, missed assignments and missed tackles continued last week, and the Bucs are currently the only winless team in their division.

At some point, the excuses have to stop and the results have to start.

INTANGIBLES: ⚔️ Vikings

I’m used to seeing opposing fans take over Raymond James Stadium, and that will continue on Sunday.

With all that purple in the stands, it’s going to feel like I’m at a Barney concert.

Hopefully, by the end of the afternoon, the only thing purple will be the bruises on the Vikings after a Bucs upset.

PREDICTION: BUCS 21, VIKINGS 20

So, after saying all of that, I offer this prediction:

Bucs 21, Vikings 20.

Call me crazy, but I think the Bucs’ special teams either scores a touchdown or sets Baker Mayfield up with excellent field position, allowing him to lead the offense to the winning touchdown in the final seconds.

The Vikings may have the edge in four of my five categories, but I only need one thing to happen:

The Buccaneers have to find a way to win.

And if they do, maybe “Purple Rain” can wait another week.

For more from Greg click here, then make sure to follow him on Twitter.

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