Buccaneers at Broncos: Five Bold Predictions

The 1-1 Buccaneers are in Denver to take on 0-2 Broncos in a game where many are saying this game is the kind of game that Tampa Bay has to dominate.

Will they be able to? All signs seem to be leaning that way as the Bucs are pretty healthy for this week’s matchup while the Broncos are banged up. So with that said, let’s see what the staff has to say for this week.

Evan: The Broncos have issues with their offensive tackles. Shaquil Barrett has yet to record a sack on the season, but that’s OK, because he takes advantage of his matchup with Garrett Bolles/Elijah Wilkinson this week and notches at least two sacks.

David: I’m going to see Evan’s prediction, and raise him one. 19.5 sacks may not be where Shaq Barrett lands this season, but double-digits is certainly within reach. In this game, Barrett gets back on pace to notch 16 sacks in 2020, with three of them against the Denver Broncos.

Bailey: I’ve got to stick with my bold prediction from this week’s episode of The North & South Podcast (have to get that plug in, ya know?). Tom Brady is throwing for four touchdowns on Sunday in Denver. Look, I know the Buccaneer offense hasn’t necessarily found its stride yet in 2020, but I’m calling for a big day for Tom Brady and Co. against the Broncos. I’m not even saying it’ll be smooth sailing from here on out, but I think this is when things start to head in the right direction.

Jason: Even though Evan and David beat me to it, but I’m still rolling with a big game for Shaq Barrett and the Bucs defense. They hold Driskel and the Broncos to only 1 touchdown and 2 field goals. Bucs improved secondary gets at least one interception. They get three sacks on the day, and they hold the Broncos to under 200 total yards.

James: There’s been a lot of talk about Rob Gronkowski’s role in the offense this week and his lack of production through two weeks. I mean, he looks like a guy that was out of football for a year - but the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Gronk will lead the tight ends in targets, receptions, yards, and he will get in the end zone for the Bucs this week.

Editor’s Pick by Gil Arcia: I’m going with James’ prediction this week. I think there has been too much football that has already happened for a veteran like Gronkowski to not appear on the stat sheet without a touchdown or a good amount of productivity. This week, head coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Tom Brady were both asked about Gronkowski. So I think it’d be fitting that he gets the ball his way this week, and gets it often.