Buccaneers Defeat Saints to Secure 5th Straight Playoff Birth
They waited until the last week of the season but ultimately got it done. After the Buccaneers’ 27-19 win on Sunday, they finally won their division and clinched a playoff spot.
The team got off to a slow start on all sides of the ball, trailing 16-6 at the half. Many fans were in doubt, but after halftime adjustments, the Bucs outscored the Saints 21-3 in the second half. It was a positive showing for the team as a whole in the second half.
Mike Evans Reaches 1,000 Yards
Mike Evan’s milestone was the other headline to come out of this game. He has now reached a record 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons. This ties WR Jerry Rice for the most all-time. It was a close call, not catching the pass that put him over the mark until the game’s final play. However, once he did, the entire stadium broke into a frenzy. It was a great moment in Buccaneers history, especially during the playoff-sealing win.
Buccaneers vs Commanders
The Wildcard round matchup is set. Thanks to Seattle’s win over the Rams, Tampa clinched the 3rd seed in the NFC. Therefore, the first-round matchup will be set up at home vs. the Washington Commanders.
The Commanders have had one of the best stories in the league this year. Going into the season, nobody expected them to make the playoffs. Their luck changed behind rookie QB Jayden Daniels and new Head Coach Dan Quinn. Practically all year, Washington has demonstrated that they are a playoff-caliber team. They finished the season last week with a win, granting them a 12-5 record and the #6 seed in the NFC.
Injury Update
The Buccaneers will likely be getting some much-needed reinforcements back from injury. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. logged a full practice on Wednesday, seemingly cementing his status to play on Sunday. TE Cade Otton also has a strong chance to return this week after missing the past three games with a knee injury. CB Jamel Dean has also been dealing with a knee injury, and his status is one to monitor as we get closer to kickoff.
Unfortunately, Head Coach Todd Bowles shut down any chance of LB SirVocea Dennis and WR Chris Godwin returning during the playoffs.
Keys To Winning
This game is lined up to be an offensive showdown, likely the most appealing matchup from an offensive standpoint of the wildcard round. Both teams ranked in the top 5 points per game this season. So clearly, the offense will need to perform, specifically the rushing attack. The Commanders’ rush defense ranked 29th in yards per game. While on the other hand, the Buccaneers averaged the 4th most rushing yards per game, with 129.1. Expediting this matchup will be key, and rookie Bucky Irving could be in for a big day.
The defense will be an essential part of this contest. Both offenses have demonstrated the ability to take over a game, but for the Bucs to win, the defense, without a doubt, needs to step up. When allowing 23 or fewer points this season, the Bucs are 9-1. It will be a deciding factor in the game on Sunday.
Additionally, it is no secret how to slow down Jayden Daniels. You cannot let him beat you with his legs. Containing Jayden Daniels will be a key part of the defensive game plan.
The final thing to watch for in this game is the Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore rivalry. Lattimore was traded from the Saints earlier this year to beef up this Commander’s secondary. The former NFC South rivalry is now reignited for the interdivisional Wildcard matchup.
Buccaneers Outlook
If Tampa wins on Sunday night, they will move on to the divisional round, projected to face the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are favored by 4.5 points this week in a home matchup against the Packers. Tampa has had Philly’s number in the past few meetings, but this team differs from who they beat in week four.
Nonetheless, a tough matchup lies ahead this week against Washington. Although the Bucs are favored and have already defeated them once this year, this is by no means a matchup to take for granted.
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