Keys To Cannon Fire: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are down right now. Losers of two straight and sitting at a 3-3 record they have fallen out of first place in the NFC South. Unfortunately for them their "bounce back game" comes against one of the most complete teams in the NFL in the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills have struggled themselves after two disappointing losses, including to the Patriots last week, and a lackluster win over the Giants sandwiched in between. Buffalo is reeling and on the ropes trying to get their season back on track and the Bucs will try and take advantage of it. It will be a tall task to come away with the win. But if the Buccaneers follow these "Keys to Cannon Fire," they may just have. shot.
Pass Early And Often
The Bucs running game isn't working. It's not a secret and the whole league knows it. It's time for offensive coordinator Dave Canales to realize it and do what the Bucs do best and pass the ball.
Tampa Bay has an advantage with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin against the BIlls young cornerbacks. Getting them in one-on-one matchup early and often to take advantage of those will be key for the the Bucs being in this game. Last week Rachaad White was effective in the pass game and needs to be featured more in that regards as an extension of a non-existent run game.
It's going to be an uphill battle in any regards, but focusing on what the team does best at least gives the Buccaneers a chance.
BucsGameday Staff Score Predictions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers At Buffalo Bills
Shut Down The Run Game
The Bills have gone away from the run game in recent week but in their three game win streak they were running the ball effectively with second year runner James Cook. If the Bucs are going to have an opportunity at winning this game making Buffalo's offense one dimensional will be of most importance.
The Bills have dangerous weapons in the passing game and having to account for them will be a challenge in it's own right. Shutting down the run, especially without diverting extra resources, will allow them to focus on stopping the explosive passes Buffalo is so adept at hitting.
The potential loss of Vita Vea for the game who is a "game-time" decision looms large over whether the Bucs can accomplish this feat. If he can't go, it will take A+ performances from the rest of the defensive line to make up for the loss.
Play Fundamentally Sound Football
The Bucs haven't been playing fundamentally sound football the past few weeks. Issues with technique and communication have plagued the offense from getting going. Last week penalties played a huge reason on why the Bucs offense wasn't able to pull away from the Falcons.
Tampa Bay had seven penalties on offense against Atlanta, including three false starts and three holding calls. That happens this week and say goodbye to any chance you think the Bucs may have at a surprise upset. Defensively the Bucs need to know their assignments and execute them properly. We've seen too many explosive plays over the last few weeks with defenders out of position.
There was a big emphasis this week for the Buccaneers on not adding an extra opponent to beat in yourselves. Getting back to basics and efficiently communicating and playing with sound fundamental technique will be crucial if the Bucs want to have any shot a beating the Bills on a short week in Buffalo.
READ MORE: Buccaneers Designate Running Back For Return, Run Game Help Coming?
You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.
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