Bucs Keys: It’s Ball Out Or Bust Against Baltimore
Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The NFL is a living, evolving organism. The rules of the game, styles of play, and quality of athletes have been changing since its inception. It’s no secret that in recent years, the rules and points of emphasis passed down from Roger Goodell have drastically impacted the product. Offenses are more dynamic than ever and scores have steadily increased in an effort to make the game more entertaining.
That’s what made Weeks 1 through 3 of the 2024 season such a head-scratcher. Over that time, for the first time in seemingly forever, scoring was down. Offenses and quarterbacks were smothered by opposing defenses and would-be touchdown drives were replaced by 50-plus-yard field goals. It seems that was a blip on the radar, not a trend, and offenses are finally catching up. That is not great news for the Buccaneers.
Not while they’re facing the Baltimore Ravens, who are averaging the most yards per game in the NFL (453.7) and the fourth-most points per game (29.5). Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson are leading a rushing attack that has over 200 yards per game and 10 touchdowns. Tampa already has had trouble with Kirk Cousins eclipsing 500 passing yards on them, and rookie Spencer Rattler erasing a 17-0 lead in the first half of last week’s game.
After key injuries to the secondary plagued the Tampa defense early, media members and experts predicted they would utilize a “bend, don’t break” schematic approach. That has become en-vogue in recent years as offenses have become more high-powered. At its core, it requires defenses to keep a lid on things, even as they concede yardage. As offenses enter the near the red zone, the defense is supposed to get tight and hold their opponent to a field goal or force a turnover.
I don’t anticipate that happening in Baltimore
If the Bucs plan to overcome their underdog status at home on Sunday night, they have to manufacture a perfect defensive game. Here’s how they do it.
Get After Jackson
Lamar Jackson has once again run his way to the top of the list for rushing quarterbacks. He’s gashing teams in the RPO game and creating plays with his feet when forced out of the pocket. The two-time MVP is a singular talent that can change the trajectory of any game.
It’s noteworthy that Jackson has faced a career-high blitz percentage in 2024. Historically, Jackson has struggled against the blitz, but Jackson is managing it better than this season. The Bucs will need to rely on their big defensive line to keep Jackson in the pocket. The likes of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey will have to work against a subpar Ravens’ offensive line and allow linebackers to spy to keep Jackson’s damage to a minimum.
Stay Disciplined
The sheer amount of penalties on Sunday in New Orleans would have been more of a topic of conversation had they not turned things around in the second half. Yellow laundry litters the field for Tampa. Not only were the Bucs penalized 12 times for 86 yards, but they also happened in critical situations to extend drives for the Saints. With home-field advantage, the Buccaneers must eliminate pre-snap penalties, especially because this game has the potential to get lopsided early.
Weather the Storm
If Tampa can stay level-headed throughout the first half, the game should remain in reach. The Ravens have struggled to pull away from teams this season. Even in games they have won, the Ravens have surrendered two-score leads and only narrowly edged out their opponents. With Baker Mayfield’s dynamic play this season and high productivity from Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, if the Bucs can stay within two scores going into the fourth quarter, they have a real chance to pull off the upset.
This can’t be a game where the offense bails out the defense time and time again, or vice versa. Tampa will have to play true complimentary football. If the defense can force a turnover or two, and Baker can go back to taking care of the ball, this could be a signature win that will propel Tampa to another level.
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