How the Eagles Can Beat the Buccaneers: 5 Keys to Victory
Ben DiGiacomo
Host · Writer
Generate the Pass-Rush
The Eagles' strength last season was getting to the quarterback, as they were able to produce a record-high 70 sacks as a team. However, this season, they've only notched 43 sacks. Over the past four weeks, they have struggled to get to the quarterback, as neither of the starting edge rushers, Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat, have been able to get to the quarterback. The Bucs' offensive line is weak on the right side, so exposing that side will be pivotal to making Baker Mayfield look over his shoulder early.
Forget About the Past
There is nothing good to say about the past six weeks of Eagles football. It was as bad as it gets. Now, it’s time for the entire locker room and coaching staff to embody the saying that “the playoffs are a new season” because, thankfully, the Eagles are now 0-0. At their peak, we know the Eagles have the talent to compete with anyone in the league. Still, ever since the San Francisco game, everyone looks disconnected, fatigued, and disinterested. There were some open discussions in the locker room this week, namely from Dallas Goedert, saying that the Eagles have been “waiting” for the playoffs, so hopefully, they show up Monday night on the road with the sense of urgency needed to win a playoff game.
An Answer for Bucs’ Blitzes
Watching the Eagles in recent weeks, it has become apparent schematically that the offense has no answer to the blitz, with now-former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale exposing the ineptitude of the Eagles' offense. Todd Bowles blitzes at one of the highest rates in football, so if the Eagles didn't drum up any answers in the film room and on the practice field, they might as well not even show up.
Bench James Bradberry for Kelee Ringo
The Eagles' defense has fallen off a cliff compared to how dominant they were last year, but they have dealt with their fair share of injuries. Down the stretch, guys were taking meaningful reps who had no business being on the field for a team with championship aspirations. However, no one has been worse than James Bradberry. The 2022 All-Pro corner is one of the worst corners in football, so with Darius Slay returning from injury, they cannot start Bradberry if they are serious about slowing down Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Rookie Kelee Ringo has impressed with his increased workload in recent weeks, so they can't start Bradberry based on name appeal if they are serious about winning this football game. Start the guy who gives you a better chance to win the game.
Feed D’Andre Swift Early
When these two teams squared off in Week 3, D’Andre Swift torched the Bucs for 130 yards. The Bucs’ run defense has undoubtedly improved, as they allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game in the regular season. Still, the Eagles have a dominant enough offensive line to supposedly negate that. Swift cementing himself early is critical, with Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, and DeVonta Smith banged up.
Generate the Pass-Rush
The Eagles' strength last season was getting to the quarterback, as they were able to produce a record-high 70 sacks as a team. However, this season, they've only notched 43 sacks. Over the past four weeks, they have struggled to get to the quarterback, as neither of the starting edge rushers, Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat, have been able to get to the quarterback. The Bucs' offensive line is weak on the right side, so exposing that side will be pivotal to making Baker Mayfield look over his shoulder early.
Forget About the Past
There is nothing good to say about the past six weeks of Eagles football. It was as bad as it gets. Now, it’s time for the entire locker room and coaching staff to embody the saying that “the playoffs are a new season” because, thankfully, the Eagles are now 0-0. At their peak, we know the Eagles have the talent to compete with anyone in the league. Still, ever since the San Francisco game, everyone looks disconnected, fatigued, and disinterested. There were some open discussions in the locker room this week, namely from Dallas Goedert, saying that the Eagles have been “waiting” for the playoffs, so hopefully, they show up Monday night on the road with the sense of urgency needed to win a playoff game.
