The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4) will take on the Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. Here are several head-to-head matchups that could go a long way towards determining the game's final outcome:
WR DeSean Jackson vs. CB Darrelle Revis
DeSean Jackson has 525 receiving yards, fourth most in the NFL. He'll likely see Bucs shutdown CB Darrelle Revis across from him throughout the game. In 2011, the last meeting between the two, Revis held Jackson to two catches for 28 yards. With his current stat line, Jackson will be Revis's toughest test so far this season.
RB Doug Martin vs. Eagles Rush Defense
The Eagles defense has allowed 108 rushing yards per game (ypg) which could bode well for the offensive line and Doug Martin, who has 85.5 ypg. If Martin has success early, it will force the defense to provide more run support, opening more options in the passing game, ultimately allowing more opportunities for Mike Glennon to hit his receivers against the Eagles' 31st-ranked secondary.
Chip Kelly's Fast-Paced Offense vs. Bucs Defense
Philadelphia Head Coach Chip Kelly's system will likely run at a pace the Buccaneers have not seen so far this year. The Bucs have had two weeks to prepare for the tempo that they will see this afternoon. As we've seen, the fast-paced offense can pay dividends for the Eagles (27 points per game), but it also allows the Bucs an opportunity to force quick three-and-outs, providing more scoring opportunities.
WR Vincent Jackson vs. CB Cary Williams
Coming off the bye week, Bucs WR Vincent Jackson should be healthy and well-rested and ready to resume the pace that led him to his 231 yards over the first two weeks of the season. Jackson will likely see a lot of the Eagles' top cornerback, former Raven Cary Williams, who is the only defensive back in the NFL to have already secured at least two interceptions and one sack.
RB LeSean McCoy vs. Bucs Rush Defense
LeSean McCoy leads the NFL in rushing with 514 rushing ypg (5.2 yards per carry). But, continuing its trend from last season, the Buccaneers run defense remains solid, allowing 94.2 rushing ypg (3.7 yards per carry). They have held opposing running backs to 50 yards or fewer in two of their four contests and are the only NFL team to not allow a rushing touchdown all season.
