Buccaneers vs. Chargers: Five Bold Predicitons

The bold predictions were almost spot on for Week 3. How does the staff see the game this week against the Chargers? Check out their bold predictions below.

Bailey: Coming into the year, we wondered where the Bucs would get their sacks outside of Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul. Well, in both of their wins this season, they’ve gotten three from guys not named Barrett or Pierre-Paul (in addition to getting some from those two). I think Todd Bowles’ defense will take advantage of a struggling and banged-up Chargers offensive line this Sunday, allowing for FOUR sacks from guys other than the top two edge rushers. As a bonus, I’ll throw in names: Vita Vea, Ndamukong Suh, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Devin White all get one.

Evan: The Bucs haven’t had back-to-back games with zero turnovers since 2017. They have done it just seven times since 2003. Tom Brady and the Patriots did it seven times from 2017-2019 alone and have done it 34 times since 2003.

The Chargers have forced two turnovers through three games. I say all this to say that the Bucs won’t commit a turnover for the second straight game for just the eighth time since 2003.

David: The Bucs defense has been playing great. I’ve really enjoyed seeing how much the inside linebackers are having their roles expanded. Whether it’s where they line up, pre-snap movement, blitzes, coverage, etc. the duo of Lavonte David and Devin White have given opposing quarterbacks plenty to study before they even make it to the rest of the defensive squad. That being said, my bold prediction is O.J. Howard leads the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in receptions and receiving yards in Week 4.

James - The loss of Leonard Fournette this week mean all eyes are on Ronald Jones to get the run game going. The Chargers, through three games, are allowing 109.3 rush yards per game to opposing offenses. If the Bucs want to keep pressure off Tom Brady then there has to be a healthy dose of RoJo throughout the day. My bold prediction is RoJo finishes with over 110 all purpose yards and a touchdown.

Jason: This week I’m going bold on offense as well. I think this Bucs offense is going to have a good game against a banged up Chargers defense. With Godwin and Fournette out, they will need other key players to step up. I agree with James that Rojo will get over 100 yards, but I’m also going bold with tight ends getting involved more. Gronkowski will get his first touchdown as a Buccaneer today.

Editor’s Pick by Gil Arcia: I’m tempted to roll with Bailey here, but calling out individual player names for the sacks is pretty ballsy. I mean, that’s bold, right? This week, I’m going with Evan. I think going consecutive weeks without a turnover is a big deal and good football teams tend to do just that along with beating teams they should beat. If the Bucs are in fact a good football team, that’ll happen today.