Back in the 1980s, the Buccaneers and Packers were divisional rivals in the NFC Central.
The Bay of Pigs: A Clash of Two Struggling Teams
Chris Berman, borrowing from the NHL, affectionately referred to the division as the “Norris Division” and dubbed this particular matchup the “Bay of Pigs.”
That certainly sets the stage for this epic clash between two teams that have combined for just one win and five losses.
Let’s break it down.
Offense: Edge Packers
The Bucs are turning to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, and while the Packers are dealing with injuries along their offensive line, they still have the more talented offense.
Neither team is likely to light up the scoreboard, but Green Bay clearly has the advantage on this side of the ball.
Defense: Edge Buccaneers
The Bucs did a very good job against the Vikings last week, and their best chance to win on Sunday will be to dominate the trenches.
The key will be winning the battle against the interior of the Packers’ offensive line, which could be missing at least one starter who was on the couch last week.
If Vita Vea and A’Shawn Robinson can generate consistent interior pressure, they could make life miserable for Jordan Love and give the Bucs’ defense the edge.
Special Teams: Even
Through the first two games, the Bucs’ special teams were exceptional. Last week, however, that all came crashing down.
I’m expecting a rebound this week.
Chase McLaughlin may have to win this game with his leg on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Packers currently rank 11th overall in special teams, making this a fairly even matchup.
Coaching: Edge Packers
Both coaches are fighting for their coaching lives, but Todd Bowles is much closer to the edge than Matt LaFleur.
Confidence in Bowles is at an all-time low, and another loss would only intensify the pressure. LaFleur isn’t exactly sitting comfortably either, but he still has considerably more breathing room than his counterpart.
Intangibles: Edge Packers
The only real home-field advantage on Sunday may belong to the Packers, even though the game is being played at Raymond James Stadium.
With Green Bay likely to have the majority of fans in attendance, the Bucs could find themselves playing in front of a decidedly unfriendly crowd.
It’s another reminder of just how far things have deteriorated in Tampa.
Prediction:
Buccaneers 15 Packers 12
With just about everything stacked against the Bucs, I’m still picking them to find a way to win what should be a very ugly football game.
Daniels WILL struggle, and that’s to be expected. He’s an undrafted rookie being thrown into a difficult situation, and nobody should expect him to suddenly turn into a franchise quarterback.
This game will be won in the trenches. Players like Vita Vea and A’Shawn Robinson need to have a field day, generating quick pressure on Jordan Love and disrupting the Packers’ offense before it can find any rhythm.
The Bucs will lean on their defense, grind out enough offense to stay in the game, and give McLaughlin a chance to play the hero.
Chase McLaughlin drills the game-winning field goal as time expires.
And for the first time in what feels like an eternity, the Buccaneer faithful can finally celebrate a win.
It won’t be pretty. It won’t be convincing. But at this point, a win is a win.
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