The Eagles are a tough matchup for Tampa Bay

On Wednesday, the Locked On Bucs Podcast sat down with 10 Tampa Bay Sports Director Evan Closky to preview the upcoming matchup between the Buccaneers and the Eagles. Needless to say, the injuries on the defensive side of the ball create some very good opportunities for the Eagles in prime time.

As Lavonte David misses the game with an injury, what does that do for the Bucs’ defense and what does it open up for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense? (Note: this episode was recorded prior to the announcement of Eagles’ tight end Dallas Goedert being placed on the Reserve/COVID list)

Rob Gronkowski has made some progress with his rib injury, but should he be rushed back to play this week? The Tampa Bay offense did just fine without him in week five, putting 45 points up on the Dolphins. A debate ensues as to what the Bucs should do with Gronk this week and whether or not it’s a good idea to let him miss another game.

Leonard Fournette has the opportunity to have another big game as the Eagles have a bottom-third run defense in the NFL. On the flip side, they have a top ten passing defense which could lead to similar struggles as we saw in week four against the New England Patriots when Gronk’s absence was a glaring weakness for the offense. As Fournette continues to establish himself as the lead back, this is yet another opportunity for him to cement his role as the team’s top guy in the backfield.

Devin White is going to have to step up in David’s absence. Jalen Hurts is a true dual-threat quarterback that can make plays and extend drives with his legs. The Buccaneers will look to White to be the guy to neutralize Hurts’ ability to run the ball as the Bucs defense will likely get pressure, but in turn will open running lanes for Hurts to escape the pocket and move the chains.

Bold predictions, predictive players of the game, and final scores here from James Yarcho and WTSP 10 Tampa Bay’s Evan Closky on this Buccaneers vs Eagles preview edition of the Locked On Bucs Podcast - now available on YouTube. Check out the episode below and subscribe to the channel here for even more Buccaneers content.