Through The Spyglass: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills

The Buccaneers face a big test, on a short week, when they travel to Buffalo for a Thursday Night Football matchup against the BIlls.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping to avoid a three-game losing skid, but face a difficult opponent on a short week in the Buffalo Bills. After dropping two straight the Bucs face an uphill battle with a matchup against a more talented team on the road. It will take a great effort and near-perfect execution of both sides of the ball if they are going to steal an upset in Buffalo

In this weekly article, BucsGameday will preview the upcoming opponent. We’ll break down their prior season, the moves they’ve made this year, and the top players to watch on the offense and defense to give you insight into what to expect on game day.

Matchup History

The Buccaneers and Bills haven't played all that often since the team's inception in 1976, only meeting 12 times. The Bucs hold a sizable lead between the two clubs with eight wins to Buffalo's four. Including a victory in the two team's last meeting in 2021 in a 33-27 overtime win. 

Looking Back At 2022

The Bills had several changes on the roster and coaching staff as offensive coordinator Brian Daboll left for the head coaching job with the Giants. He was replaced by quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey. In an attempt to improve their pass rush, they agreed to a massive deal with free agent pass rusher Von Miller and drafted cornerback Kaiir Elam and running back James Cook in the first two rounds. 

Buffalo finished the 2022 season with a 13-3 record which was good for the second best in the AFC Conference. Due to a scary medical situation with safety Damar Hamlin they finished with one less win/loss due to their game with the Bengals being called a no contest. After beating the Dolphins in the Wild Card Round, they fell to the Bengals in the Divisional round ending their season. 

What’s New In 2023

The Bills further boosted their pass rush in 2023 with the free-agent addition of Leonard Floyd. The move has paid dividends early in the season as he leads the team with 6.5 sacks. On the offensive side of the ball, free agent guard Connor McGovern has been a consistent force on the offensive line for the Bills.

Buffalo has gotten steady play from second-round pick O'Cyrus Torrance at the other guard spot. While first-round tight end, Dalton Kincaid, has come on as of late and will step into a bigger role with the injury to Dawson Knox. But perhaps the emergences of second-year players linebacker Terrell Bernard and running back James Cook have made the biggest difference to this Bills team. 

Top Players On Offense

QB Josh Allen

Allen's arm strength allows him to make deep throws with ease often to his favorite target Stefon Diggs. However, he also possesses the ability to bowl over defenders when he tucks the ball and runs. His accuracy has improved in recent years, but has had a string of interceptions this season. Though, he still has nearly 2,000 passing yards on the season to go with 15 touchdowns and is one of the league's best quarterbacks.  

WR Stefon Diggs

There is a legitimate case to be made for Diggs as the NFL's most consistent receiver in recent years. He has exceptional route-running ability and separation skills and makes the difficult catches. His speed and agility make him a threat after the catch and he possesses great hands and body control that make him a problem for defenders. He is quite simply put, a playmaker.

BucsGameday Staff Score Predictions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers At Buffalo Bills

LT Dion Dawkins

Dawkins at 6'5, 320 pounds has the size and strength that makes him a formidable presence on the offensive line. He has quick feet and agility and a strong anchor allowing him to be effective in blocking speed and power rushers. This season he has only allowed 11 pressures and has not given up a sack on Allen's blindside to date. His ability to adjust to pass rushers with sound technique and his high football IQ make him a valuable asset on the Bills offensive line. 

Top Players On Defense

DT Ed Oliver

Oliver remains one of the best defensive tackles in the league. His ability to penetrate gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield has allowed him to rack up four sacks early on in the season. With his strength and leverage, he can blow up double teams while also holding blockers from getting to the next level. Oliver's agility and quick change of direction allow him to play off-ball and make tackles in space as well. 

OLB Von Miller

Miller is still one of the NFL's top pass rushers even at the age of 34. He still possesses the speed to get off the edge allowing him to consistently beat tackles and apply pressure on the quarterback. With age, he has mastered the technical part of his game allowing him to beat opponents younger and quicker than him. He is still a playmaker and always a threat to create turnovers.

READ MORE: Buccaneers Designate Running Back For Return, Run Game Help Coming?

S Micah Hyde

Hyde is a versatile piece in the Bills' defensive back field his high football IQ and instincts consistently put him in a position to make plays on the ball. He has elite coverage skills and can be deployed close to the line of scrimmage as well and he is an excellent tackler. Perhaps the most underrated aspect of his game is his role of communicator and leader in which he brings tremendous value to Buffalos' secondary. Hyde is tied for the team lead with two interceptions this season.

Final Thoughts

The Bills boast a complete team on offense and defense will playmakers to hurt you at every level. While they haven't played their best ball the last three weeks, they are a formidable match-up for the Bucs. They can put up points quickly pulling away from teams while their stout defense shuts down any hope of a comeback. On a short week, this could get ugly quickly for the Bucs against a Bills team trying to get their season back on the right track.

READ MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Keep Falling In Latest NFL Power Rankings

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.

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