The Philadelphia Eagles have been on a roller coaster since appearing in the Super Bowl just two years ago. A dip on that roller coaster was a playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January, which they hope to avenge on Sunday when the two teams meet.
For the sake of the Bucs’ season, they cannot afford to give the Eagles that pleasure.
After their playoff-rematch win over the Lions in Week 2, the Bucs are in limbo following a massive upset loss to the Denver Broncos. They came out flat and never looked to be in that matchup. The Eagles have been slow starters this season, with a total of zero points scored in the first quarter, and that is where the Bucs can take advantage.
Baker Mayfield and the passing attack must be firing on all cylinders when the first whistle blows. They also need the defense to figure things out quicker than players heal. Injuries are not excuses; this is very much a next-man-up scenario. Both teams are susceptible to losing this game, and the Eagles come in with the edge after their stunning fourth-quarter rally against the New Orleans Saints last week.
It is up to the Bucs to make sure they take that momentum back.