First place in the NFC South will be on the line this week.

Sunday, the Tampa Bay Bucs will coming off a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The defeat almost rings hollow comparable to what was lost within the game. Both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, two of the key engines of this team, have sustained legitimate injuries and Tampa will be carrying on without them for quite some time— Not ideal for a team that will be readying itself for the biggest game of the season. After falling to the Atlanta Falcons three weeks ago, the Bucs have a chance to even out the series at 1-1 so—

How can the Bucs win this game?

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Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker. The Bucs have been the worst rushing team in the league over the last two seasons. Liam Coen was brought to Tampa, in part, to manifest a rushing attack the Bucs could lean on. Halfway through his first season in red and pewter, he has done that. The Bucs have the best ground game they’ve boasted in years— Tampa is currently a top-10 rushing offense in the league.

In the Bucs’ first clash with Atlanta, Kirk Cousins dismantled Todd Bowles’ defense. With even more injury concerns piling up for the group, there is no reason to think he won’t have a repeat performance this week.

The Bucs’ run game will be pivotal due it’s ability to sustain drives, score points, and ensure Kirk Cousins remains on the sideline, where he can’t do any damage. With the team’s defense in a rut, Tampa Bay’s offense will need to take on the added responsibility of aiding their defense through controlling ball and winning the time of possession battle.

How can the Bucs lose this game?

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Forgetting to play the second quarter. Tampa Bay has demonstrated a fast-start offense. One of Liam Coen’s strengths appears to be his scripting of play calls to start games. As of Monday Night, the 2024 Tampa Bay Bucs hold the all-time franchise record for consecutive games with an opening drive touchdown. In the last two games, the Bucs have taken the ball and outscored their opponent 27-0 in the first quarter.

Giving yourself an early lead is very advantageous, however, all of that advantage goes by the wayside quickly when the second-quarter Bucs take the stage. For two consecutive weeks, the Bucs’ second quarter play has been abysmal. Tampa has stepped into both second quarters with the lead, then proceeded to relinquish it rapidly. Two weeks ago, against the New Orleans Saints, the second-quarter Bucs saw the Saints steal 27 points. Last week, the second-quarter Bucs struck again, allowing 17 unanswered points. While the first 15 minutes have had the Bucs buzzing, the second 15 have been nightmarish. Tampa has been outscored 44-7 in the second period of their last two games— That trend cannot continue if they hope to regain their footing in the NFC South title race.

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