Each Friday this NFL season, we’re taking a quick look at the league’s most interesting team in action that weekend. This week, we’re going with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Why the Buccaneers? This is their chance to make a huge impression in quarterback Jameis Winston’s second season. The Bucs kicked off the season with an upset road victory over the division rival Atlanta Falcons, but now they have to travel to Arizona to take on a Cardinals team that many consider to be one of the best in football.
Why this week? Tampa Bay recorded three road victories during Winston’s rookie campaign, but all three came against teams that didn’t finish with winning records. And they lost their last three road games of the year. Still, Winston’s numbers were actually much better on the road than at home. Now, he and that offense face the ultimate test against a Cards team went 7-2 at home last season and is desperate after losing their home opener to the shorthanded Patriots.
What should we expect? Look, few figure the Bucs will win this game. They’re 6.5-point underdogs for a reason. That said, Tampa Bay could really use a strong performance in order to keep gaining momentum early in what could be a surprisingly strong season. It’d be great if they could get good games out of Winston, Mike Evans (who was superb in the opener) and Doug Martin, as well as that underrated defense.
Put it all together and for at least one weekend, the Buccaneers are America’s most interesting football team.
