The Tampa Bay Buccaneers come into Week Ten with nine days of rest, unlike last week when they played after just four days off. The result was a 43-28 blow out loss to the Atlanta Falcons at home on Thursday Night Football that followed the 30-24 overtime loss at home against the Oakland Raiders. The Buccaneers will try to end their two-game losing streak at home against the Chicago Bears. The Bears will also have the luxury of extended rest following their bye week. They’ll be confident after their upset win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football on Halloween.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week Ten Keys to Victory
Defense Helps Out Wounded Offense
Quarterback Jameis Winston is likely to play with a knee injury and wide receiver Mike Evans was just released from the league’s concussion protocol. The Bucs have been through five different running backs. They are without Vincent Jackson for the year and Russell Shepard is out for the game. Two quality offensive lineman in Joe Hawley and Kevin Pamphile are questionable. The defense has to take the pressure off the ailing offense, something they have struggled to do the last two games against the Raiders and the Falcons. It will be tough, because the Bears offense could be improving.
Watch Out for Jordan Howard
The Bears’ season had been rather lifeless prior to the game against the Vikings. However, they may have received a shot of energy that could change their season. Rookie running back Jordan Howard had a breakout performance with 26 rushing attempts for 153 yards and a touchdown, along with four catches for 49 yards. All were statistical highs in his brief career, and these numbers came against a physical defense in Minnesota.
The Buccaneers need to be prepared for a heavy dose of the 22-year-old and, they may have the talent to stop him. They have one of the most complete linebacking units in the NFL starting with rookie middle linebacker Kwon Alexander, who leads the team with 61 tackles. Alexander did leave his last game against the Falcons with a shoulder injury and that could limit his impact in this contest. Even if Alexander’s not fully healthy, he will be accompanied by All-Pro outside linebacker Lavonte David and nine-year linebacker Daryl Smith.
Opportunity for Defensive Line
The defensive line for the Buccaneers has been a major disappointment through the first half of the season. They have struggled to stay healthy. Defensive end Robert Ayers has played only four games this year, which is the same number as defensive tackle Clinton McDonald.
They’ve added depth to surround one of the game’s best nose tackles in Gerald McCoy, including Ayers, McDonald and John Hughes (from the Cleveland Browns and not Shermer, Illinois), as well as three draft picks including Noah Spence, Channing Ward and DaVonte Lambert. Unfortunately, it hasn’t helped the Bucs’ passing defense, which is tied for fourth in the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed and second in yards gained per pass attempt at 8.3 allowed. They are also in the bottom half of the league in sacks.
However, now the line has been as healthy as they’ve been all year. It’s an excellent chance for the supporting cast of William Gholston and Akeem Spence to help McCoy and prove themselves against an underrated offensive line. The Bears have two proven guards in Kyle Long and Josh Sitton. However, Long is questionable with an arm injury and Sitton has a questionable ankle. The Bucs clearly have an opportunity to apply pressure on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.
Pick: Chicago 27 – Tampa Bay 13
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