The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a tricky team to figure out.
After starting the year 3-1, losses in six out of seven games seemingly tanked any chance that the Buccaneers would be a playoff team. Three straight wins to start December has changed things, though.
Now Tampa Bay is 7-7 and out front in the NFC South with only a few weeks left in the season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are headed in the opposite direction after three consecutive losses erased their lead in the AFC South. When the Jaguars travel to central Florida on Sunday afternoon, will they see a Buccaneers team that is on the rise, or will they meet an inconsistent team that has feasted on lackluster competition?
We asked River Wells of BucsNation five burning questions to get a better idea of what competition is on the way for the Jaguars in Week 16:
1
There was a strong start, a rough stretch, and now a hot streak for the Bucs this year. Does the team just run hot and cold, or was the middle of the season not what it seemed?
BucsWire: “The offense really wasn’t gelling under first-year playcaller Dave Canales, and the defense was pretty awful on top of that (it still is in the passing game). The offense has really clicked under Mayfield and the run game has finally gotten going, so the team’s talent is finally starting to show, too.”
2
Is there a chance Baker Mayfield is the quarterback the Buccaneers build around after this season?
BucsWire: “I think at this point, Mayfield will be re-signed — especially should they win the South. He’s been far from perfect, but he has been clutch when it has mattered and he’s definitely limited his turnovers, and if he can keep playing like that, he’ll be a viable option for the team going forward.”
3
If you were game-planning to beat Tampa Bay, what would you attack?
BucsWire: “The red zone defense. It’s one of the best in football, and because their regular passing defense is so bad you’ll almost certainly get inside the 20 more often than not. Figure out why the team is so good in defense in the red zone, and Tampa Bay’s passing defense will let you get down there often to use that knowledge and score touchdowns.”
4
Aside from the big names, who is a Bucs player that could make a surprise impact Sunday?
BucsWire: “Linebacker K.J Britt has stepped in for Devin White during his injury, and quite frankly, he’s been better. He’s a reliable tackler who doesn’t overcommit and he’s decent in coverage, so if he plays the majority of snaps there on Sunday over White, be on the lookout for No. 52. If he doesn’t, then expect Devin White to give up some big splash plays.”
5
What is your prediction?
BucsWire: “This Jaguars team is impressive at full power, but they simply aren’t at full power at the moment and the Bucs are very healthy at the moment. Combine that with the resurgence of Tampa Bay’s offense and Jacksonville’s lack of run game as of recent, and I think the Bucs take it. Bucs 23, Jaguars 21“
