Preview for Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Two of the NFL’s remaining undefeated groups meet on Sunday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium.
Tampa Bay and Philadelphia have met within the playoffs in two of the final 4 seasons, with the Buccaneers triumphant at house on each events.
And although solely three weeks of the season have been performed, this matchup might be billed as a possible playoff preview.
The defending Tremendous Bowl-champion Eagles haven’t loved a convincing begin to their title defence, with their offense failing to fireplace on all cylinders and all of their wins coming by a single rating.
It took a blocked discipline aim returned for a landing by Jordan Davis for the Eagles to survive against the Los Angeles Rams in a recreation through which they recovered from a 26-7 deficit.
However the Eagles gained’t be capable of depend on such fortune each week, and their passing assault will probably have to get going if they’re to defeat a Buccaneers staff well-equipped to cease operating again Saquon Barkley. The Bucs have given up simply 3.6 yards per carry up to now this season, permitting solely 12 first downs on the bottom.
On the opposite facet of the ball, the Buccaneers shall be with out probably future Corridor of Fame receiver Mike Evans with a hamstring harm. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is questionable with a biceps harm however is anticipated to play. Deal with Tristan Wirfs (knee) can also be questionable, as is wideout Chris Godwin as he goals to return from an ankle concern.
Having Godwin again could be an enormous enhance for the Buccaneers as they face an Eagles secondary anticipated to be with out cornerback Adoree Jackson.
Jackson has struggled in a beginning position for Philadelphia this season, however the prospect of the Eagles having to show to his backup Kelee Ringo leaves the Eagles’ defensive backfield trying much more weak.
Buccaneers rookie Emeka Egbuka shall be hoping to reap the benefits of the weaknesses within the Philadelphia secondary. The primary-round choose already has 181 receiving yards and three touchdowns to his identify and may view this matchup as one he can exploit.
The Buccaneers have skilled an analogous begin to the Eagles, their three victories coming by a mixed six factors. Nonetheless, if they will hand the Eagles their first loss, that may function an enormous assertion to the league about their very own championship credentials.
