NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week in a game that means more to the Eagles than it probably does to the Bucs. For whatever reason, the Bucs have had the Eagles’ number. This has to change this week. Both teams will enter the game at 3-0, with the Bucs being mentioned as a team that could unseat the defending champs.
Both teams are coming off great last-second victories in Week 3. Can the Philadelphia Eagles find balance in their offense against a tough Bucs defense? With injuries hampering Tampa’s offense, how will get get the ball downfield? Despite playing in different divisions, these two teams have built their own rivialry over the past 4 years.
Here are the 3 keys to victory for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Forget The Record
It’s just something about the Philadelphia Eagles and the Buccaneers that never works in the Eagles’ favor. The Bucs have had their number for the past few seasons, including a win last year, and they were the team to put the Eagles out of their misery during their decline year in 2023. For them to walk out victorious this week, the Eagles must ignore the talk that will follow the team to Tampa all the way to kick-off and even during the game.
This is a mental thing. The Eagles are clearly a more talented team, but what Todd Bowles has been able to do against a QB like Jalen Hurts has to be studied. He’s in their heads. This is not the same as a match-up against the Chiefs, but the Eagles need this win, not just for the 4-0 record, but for their ego.
Use Tank Bigsby
What was the point of getting a bruising back like Tank if you’re not going to use him? Saquon Barkley is still that guy, but it’s clear that defenses are set up to stop him at whatever cost. This is where the offense needs to try something different. Taking carries away from Barkley may not sit well with others, but for a team that preaches Team First, let’s put that to the test.
The Bucs are not bad against the run. The Eagles have 3 backs who gain either wreak havoc in short yardage or go the distance. Hit them with Barkley, then wear them down with Tank and AJ Dillon, then finish them with Barkley late in the 4th. The Eagles are relying too much on the legs of Hurts and Barkley. It’s time to let Bigsby get some shine against that Bucs front 7.
Play Eagles Football
This goes with the other 2 keys. Ignore what everyone is saying, from the fans to the media. The Philadelphia Eagles are 19-1 in their last 20 games because they play football their way. Think about that, 19 wins in their last 20 games, and that one loss was due to Hurts being forced to leave a game in the 1st quarter against the Commanders. But back to the keys. What happened last week against the Los Angeles Rams cannot continue to happen. At least let that game be a springboard to get them back on track.
Running Barkey is still the key. Jalen using his legs is essential, but also getting the ball to AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert is still the way for the Eagles to continue that winning streak. Their offense has stalled some this year in their first three games, but the NFL world had a chance to see what happens when you back them against the wall.
