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Make Something Happen on Offense, Immediately**
In three of the last four outings, the Bucs offense has failed to get anything going in the first quarter. Coming off a bye week with extra preparation, it's time to see a big play on offense or a crisp drive that results in six points right out of the gate. Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans are a big-play tandem and there's no reason why they can't challenge the Vikings DBs early in this game. It's good to talk about establishing the run, and that would be a plus, but some early confidence by scoring quickly is a bigger key.
Pressure Teddy Bridgewater Relentlessly
Without a doubt, this game will hinge on the rookie quarterback's play and the Bucs' ability to pressure him into bad decisions, throws and, perhaps, turnovers. Just hearing his comments this week, Gerald McCoy is seething to get at Bridgewater. A healthier Michael Johnson off the bye will be ready to pin the ears back, too. Lavonte David has played against Bridgewater in high school in South Florida, so their rivalry goes back, as well. Now, it's time for the Tampa Bay D to make it happen and create opportunities and turnovers.
Finally, Give the Bucs Fans the Ammo to Be a Loud Impact
Without dwelling too much on the Baltimore game, the Bucs gave their home-field advantage zero chance to make an impact by falling behind so quickly and doing nothing to get the crowd back in the game early. Creating that home crowd energy is essential on Sunday. Whether it is a scoring play, sack, turnover or any combination of those, the Bucs must bring the RJS fans to their feet! The Bucs must force the Vikings to experience exactly what the Buccaneers offense had to experience when they traveled to Atlanta, Pittsburgh and New Orleans in successive weeks. LOUDNESS.
Vincent Jackson and Captain Munnerlyn know each other from previous NFC South battles, and they could be paired in another very important matchup this Sunday.
WR Vincent Jackson vs. CB Captain MunnerlynThe two lined up across from each other three times when Munnerlyn played for the Carolina Panthers. Jackson had 14 catches, 248 yards and a TD in those games. So far this season, Jackson has been targeted 60 times and should see plenty more passes coming his way against this familiar foe, who has 31 tackles and has allowed four TDs this year, according to Pro Football Focus.
S Mark Barron vs. WR Cordarrelle PattersonWR Greg Jennings leads the Vikings in yards and receptions, but Patterson may be their most dangerous player when the ball is in his hands, averaging 11.2 yards per reception and 16.7 yards per carry with two scores. Barron is second on the team with 45 tackles and will need to continue roaming the field to keep Patterson from breaking off a big play.
DE Michael Johnson vs. QB Teddy BridgewaterThe Vikings have given up 27 sacks, 13 of them coming in rookie Bridgewater's three starts. The Buccaneers have shown that they can get after the quarterback, with an impressive eight hits and 16 hurries against Drew Brees. Faced with pressure, Bridgewater has thrown five interceptions.
Buccaneers RBs vs. Vikings RBsDoug Martin and Bobby Rainey have combined for 401 rushing yards and three total touchdowns this year. The Vikings' duo of Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon have 559 and four TDs. Both teams will aim to get their run games going early in this game to control the clock and force defenses to crowd the line of scrimmage.
T Anthony Collins vs. DE Everson GriffenAfter allowing just one sack in back-to-back weeks against Pittsburgh and New Orleans, the Bucs offensive line surrendered five in Week Six, four of them from OLBs. Coming off the edge this week is Griffen, who is one of seven NFL players with seven or more sacks this season. Collins has to keep his quarterback upright for the Bucs offense to click.
LB Lavonte David vs. S Harrison SmithDavid's 65 tackles are fifth in the NFL this year and his 11 tackles for a loss are the most in the league. The ball-hawking Smith has 36 tackles and three picks, one returned for a TD. LB vs S is an awkward duo for a key matchup, but in what could be a defensive battle, the winner might be determined by which of these third-year player takes over the game.
