How the Bucs Can Upset the Eagles: 5 Keys to Wild Card Victory

Stop One Tush Push

It may be the most impossible task the universe has ever seen, but hear us out. The Tush Push is the only thing that has been successful for the Eagles over the past month and a half. Getting just one stop on a Tush Push attempt could seriously fracture the ego of this team with so much going wrong. It feels small to stop a team from achieving a one-yard gain, but the message it sends could be pivotal.

Get the Ball to Mike Evans

Piggy-backing off of that, Evans must get involved in the passing game. He's had some relatively quiet outings recently, but he still possesses that game-wrecker ability that can help push the Buccaneers over the top. The 30-year-old is still in his prime and needs to see at least seven or eight targets in this game.

Win the Line of Scrimmage

The line on both sides of the football is where the Eagles love asserting dominance. But Tampa has the horses to keep up, at least on the defensive end. The Bucs are tied for seventh in the NFL in sacks per game and have a front seven that is largely intact from their Super Bowl team in 2021. The offensive line has been shaky at times, and that may be more of a challenge, but getting to Hurts, who has lost some mobility this season due to injuries, could be crucial.

Protect Baker Mayfield

Baker has taken some severe hits throughout the season, most recently to the ribs in their regular-season finale victory over the Panthers. While he does well to scramble in tight situations, the last thing the Buccaneers need is his rib injury or any other ailments to flare up on a big hit from this ferocious Philly front four. Keeping your quarterback upright will do wonders as he looks to attack this porous secondary.

Stop One Tush Push

It may be the most impossible task the universe has ever seen, but hear us out. The Tush Push is the only thing that has been successful for the Eagles over the past month and a half. Getting just one stop on a Tush Push attempt could seriously fracture the ego of this team with so much going wrong. It feels small to stop a team from achieving a one-yard gain, but the message it sends could be pivotal.