In Week Four, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium for an NFC Wild Card rematch from a season ago. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET via FOX on Sunday, September 29. Tom Brady will return to the Bay as a color analyst in the booth as the Bucs vie to rewrite their narrative following a 26-7 loss to the Broncos in Week Three. Tampa Bay will seek to shore up the offensive line and contain phenom Saquon Barkley and the Eagles' one-two punch in the backfield with Jalen Hurts. The Buccaneers defeated the Eagles, 32-9, to advance to the Divisional Round in their 2023 postseason run and the club will aim to win the battle in the trenches come Sunday. Here are five players to observe following kickoff:
K.J. Britt
The Eagles acquired Saquon Barkley during the offseason, and he has transformed the Eagles' rushing attack, a unit that previously relied on the elusive prowess of dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts. Barkley has posted 351 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns – ranking first in the NFL in both categories. The jump-cut aficionado is a scoring threat from anywhere on the field with vision and an innate feel for how to maximize space in the open field. With a powerful, compact frame, Barkley has the ability to plow through defenders and has lethal spin moves to leave tacklers reeling. The competitive rusher will be a top priority for the Buccaneers on Sunday and Tampa Bay's K.J. Britt will play a key role in containing the back. Britt and SirVocea Dennis have been rotating reps opposite Lavonte David, with Dennis coming in predominately in clear passing situations. Being able to limit Barkley on first or second down will be key, not allowing him to break past the second level. Britt is adept at clogging run lanes and possesses a downhill-styled attack. He is a heavy hitter, and his aggression will be valuable in facing the Eagles' rushing attack.
Yaya Diaby
Jordan Mailata is one of the league's premier left tackles. The former Australian rugby player is the anchor of the Eagles' line, manning Jalen Hurts' blindside. He has not allowed a sack this season and has rare physical traits. Mailata possesses a violent punch and lateral movement skills that fortify the frontline in Philly. The Bucs' Yaya Diaby has rushed from both edges this season and will face Mailata throughout the four-quarter battle on Sunday. Diaby is coming off a sensational rookie campaign in which he led all rookies in tackles for loss (12) and the Bucs in sacks (7.5). His numbers may not 'wow' in 2024 as the power pass rusher has yet to record a sack, but his presence has been felt by opposing quarterbacks. Diaby's 12 quarterback pressures are tied for fourth in the NFL and his 28.6%-win rate ranks third per PFF. He wreaks havoc at the line and added additional moves to his repertoire during the offseason, and his short-area burst has been an ideal fit in Todd Bowles' twists/stunts. Diaby is quick out of his stance and his ability to separate at the point of attack will be useful on Sunday.
Lavonte David
Legendary off-ball linebacker Lavonte David is known for his coverage skills, and he will play an integral role in containing Eagles' tight end Dallas Goedert on Sunday. In David's seven career games against Philadelphia, he has accumulated two interceptions, 53 tackles, 44 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. David will strive to continue his reign of terror on Sunday, minimizing Goedert's damage. The vested veteran linebacker has fluid hips to carry tight ends in man coverage on short-to-intermediate routes and his route recognition and instincts are second to none. Goedert remains one of the best two-way tight ends in the NFL, with his capability in-line as a blocker and his elite pass-catching skills. He is tied with DeVonta Smith for the team lead in receiving yards (239) and Goedert can work all three levels of the field with ease. With outstanding body control, strong hands and effective in-game adjustments to create better positioning, Goedert is a dangerous weapon for the Eagles. He has the play speed when working vertically and has a large quantity of one-handed grabs on his resumé.
Rachaad White
The Eagles' run defense currently ranks 24th in the league as the unit has allowed an average of 134.7 rushing yards per game. Linebacker Zack Baun ranks second in the NFL with 37 tackles and is tied for second in the league with 2.0 sacks. Against a physical Eagles' team, the Bucs will need to achieve a balanced attack. Bucky Irving dazzled against Denver with a 32-yard run and a 13-yard gain off a reverse that positioned the Bucs at first-and-goal, but White is the trusted pass protector and the go-to in short-yardage, goal-line situations. White surpassed 1,500 yards from scrimmage last year as one of the league's most potent multi-faceted backs and displayed his ability in the open field off screens and as a viable checkdown option for Mayfield. He is patient with his run tempo and possesses outstanding body control.
Graham Barton
Baker Mayfield has been sacked 12 times over the previous two matchups, and while those numbers are a result of both protection issues and Mayfield's own proclamation of holding onto the ball for too long in certain instances, keeping the Eagles' pass rushers away from Mayfield will be a determining factor in the outcome. Getting behind the chains and falling to a 14-0 deficit against the Broncos in Week Three dictated the playbook and forced the Bucs to be one-dimensional. Against a physical Eagles' team, the Bucs will need to set the tone in the trenches. Among centers in Week Three, Graham Barton ranked sixth in run-blocking grade (80.9) per PFF and seventh overall (74.3). He plays with a low center of gravity and powerful core strength. Barton has lateral quickness and is adept on second-level climbs to elongate rush lanes. As a pass-protector, he is effective at redirecting versus counters, and he will be one to watch on Sunday afternoon.