The Packers avoided an 0-2 start with a convincing 27-10 win over the Bears last week. A stern test awaits them as they face the 2-0 Buccaneers on the road as underdogs. Green Bay fell to Tampa Bay in their last meeting on January 24, 2021 in the NFC Championship Game, 31-26.
Green Bay enter 23rd in scoring after the first two weeks and face a Buccaneers defense that is 1st in scoring defense, allowing only 6.5 points per game. Aaron Rodgers has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes for 429 and two touchdowns, but has been sacked seven times. In typical fashion, Rodgers has spread the ball around, with seven players with at least five receptions. Sammy Watkins[Editor’s Note: Watkins was announced to be on IR], Aaron Jones, Romeo Doubs, and AJ Dillon all have six receptions to lead the team. The Packers’ rushing attack has been excellent, averaging 157 yards per game, led by Aaron Jones with 181 yards on 20 carries. Punter Pat O’Donnell is averaging a healthy 50.2 yards on six punts with a net of 45.7.
An Uphill Battle
On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers are 7th in points allowed at 16.5 per game. Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell leads the teams with 15 tackles, while Preston Smith and Rashan Gary have recorded all of the team’s four sacks. The Packers have one interception and no forced fumbles over the first two weeks. They need to win the turnover battle to have a good chance to pull off an upset.
For the Buccaneers, they are ranked 19th in scoring, led by Tom Brady, who has completed only 59 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and an interception. Mike Evans and Russell Gage has been the primary targets, with 15 of the team’s 36 receptions for 173 yards. Running back Leonard Fournette has seen the majority of the load in the backfield, rushing for 192 yards on 45 attempts. Kicker Ryan Succop has already attempted seven field goals, converting on six.
Defensively, the Buccaneers already have 10 sacks, led by Devin White’s three. Keeping Rodgers off the deck will be another key for the Packers chances at a victory. Cornerback Jamel Dean leads the Buccaneers with two interceptions. A key stat to watch is the turnover differential. Tampa Bay comes in 2nd in the NFL at +4, while the Packers are at –2.
The Buccaneers are a 1-point home favorite in this contest.
A stout defense, previewing Tampa Bay’s playmakers + special teams putting in work.
3️⃣ Things ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/GsubzpVEBQ
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 21, 2022