Buccaneers vs. Dolphins: Bold predictions for Week 5

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) are at home this week hosting the Miami Dolphins (1-3). We’ve had some pretty bold predictions thus far in 2021, but none have been hit right on the head.

Check out which Bucs Nation staff writer makes the boldest claim for this week’s game below!

Bailey: I don’t have much to back this up with, but I’m calling for a big day from Ronald Jones II on Sunday against Miami. The Dolphins’ run defense is around the middle of the pack and the guy that very nearly ran for 1,000 yards last season has to show up at some point in 2021, right? His carries were once again limited last Sunday, but he looked the best he has all season and scored his first touchdown of the year. Let’s ride that performance into Week 5 and see Jones outrush Leonard Fournette and score himself another touchdown. The RoJo Redemption Tour starts now.

James: After a week where the Bucs had trouble finishing drives, Tom Brady came out and said that the Bucs had their best day of practice and that the Dolphins defensive scheme is similar to that of the Patriots. Now, an injury plagued Bucs secondary is going up against Jacoby Brissett and a paltry Dolphins offense. So my bold prediction is two-fold - the Bucs defense will get five sacks and three takeaways while the offense gives up zero sacks and turns the ball over zero times. If the Miami defense is, indeed, similar to that of New England's, the Bucs offense will be ready to attack more efficiently than they were last week - not to mention, the Dolphins just don't have the skill players on defense that the Patriots do.

David: The Miami Dolphins are going to try and get Jacoby Brissett going against a wounded secondary in Tampa Bay. With Jamel Dean potentially returning, and Richard Sherman getting more comfortable, I see the Dolphins aiming at Antoine Winfield Jr. replacement, Mike Edwards. If Edwards steps up, the Bucs win, and I think he does to the tune of two interceptions. His first time with two picks in one game since...Week 2.

Mike: Devin White played pretty well last week, so I’m claiming that as my first W. Let’s make it a win streak this week, as I predict Antonio Brown will make up for his two missed opportunities against New England with an 8-catch, 150-yard receiving performance and at least one score. Tampa’s offense as a whole gets back on track.

Editor’s Pick by Gil Arcia: I don’t know if it’s because I’m a big fan of any running game and controlling the clock or what, but I am definitely all for Bailey’s bold prediction this week. At some point the Buccaneers have to realize that they have to start giving their defense more time to breathe on the sidelines. The Bucs passing game is so good that I’m their scoring drives the defense is right back on the field. Go get that running game going. Ride RoJo.