Keys To Cannon Fire: Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In this weekly article, we break down what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to do to secure a victory on game day.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Philadelphia Eagles for Monday Night Football Week 3. The Bucs are off to a 2-0 start after wins against the Vikings and Bears. They now face one of their biggest tests of the season against an Eagles team that were the NFC representatives in the Super Bowl.  

Prior to the season, this game looked like an easy loss to predict for the Buccaneers. Though the Eagles have gotten off to a slow start, leaving a clear path to victory if they follow these keys to cannon fire.

Make The Eagles Offense One Dimensional

The Buccaneers have one of the strongest run defenses in the league. So far this season they've held opponents to just 54 yards per game on the ground. Repeating that performance will be key against an Eagles team that prides itself on being able to run the ball. 

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It's not just the running backs either, quarterback Jalen Hurts can also beat you with his legs. Tampa Bay will need to stay disciplined in their run fits to ensure the Pro Bowl quarterback doesn't gash them on the ground. IF the Bucs can stop the run it will force the Eagles to be one-dimensional, relying on a passing game that hasn't quite hit its stride yet. 

The Bucs executed it to a T last week against the Bears. However, Philadelphia has a much better offensive line and skill players. If Tampa Bay wants to have a chance to win this game they will need to shut down the Eagles rushing attack. This might prove difficult if Pro Bowl nose guard Vita Vea, who is dealing with a pectoral injury, is less than 100 percent. 

Protect Baker Mayfield

The Eagles boast one of the league's most dynamic and deep-front sevens in the entire NFL. The Buccaneers have performed well in their first two games keeping Mayfield upright allowing just one sack. Though Philadelphia will provide a difficult matchup for the Bucs offensive line and test them in a way they haven't been all season. 

Perhaps the biggest concern in this matchup is Bucs center Robert Hainsey. The third-year offensive lineman has struggled this season holding his own against defensive tackles. Against the Eagles, he'll face an onslaught with Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, and Jalen Carter giving him all he can handle. Expect Tampa Bay to give Hainsey as much help as they can in the form of double teams. 

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On the outside right tackle Luke Goedeke will have his hands full will All-Pro linebacker Hassan Reddick and defense end Josh Sweat. The two combined for over 27 sacks last season and will give the second-year tackle all he can handle. The Bucs have been their best in 11 personnel (three wide receivers) this season but expect a lot more 12 personnel (two tight ends) to combat the dynamic pass rush of Philadelphia.

Win The Turnover Margin

If the Buccaneers are going to have a shot at knocking off the reigning NFC Champions they're going to need to win the turnover battle. The Eagles are going to send a ton of pressure at Mayfield but he needs to be smart with the ball and continue his streak of no turnovers through Week 3. 

The Eagles don't turn the ball over often so when the Bucs get an opportunity to create one they need to capitalize. While Philadelphia hasn't looked like the juggernaut many expected them to be to start the season, the Buccaneers cannot underestimate them. The Eagles have the ability to turn it on at any time. 

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The Bucs have created five turnovers through the first two weeks of the season and will need their playmakers to continue, well making plays if they want to come out victorious this weekend. IF they can force Hurst into making bad decisions and capitalize when he does, the Buccaneers could find themselves 3-0 coming out of Monday Night Football.

Do you agree with this week's keys to cannon fire? What do you think is most important for the Bucs to secure a win? Tell us in the comments!

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.

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