Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keys to Victory
Nov 30, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; works Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) and wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) talk prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
1. Cut down the tall trees at Wide Receiver.
If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are to surprise the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, it won’t be done without a significant contribution from their two stud receivers in Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans. Both standing no less than 6’4 and able to use their strength along the line of scrimmage, Jackson and Evans pose the threat of opening up the Packers’ defense with explosive plays.
Vincent Jackson, now 31 years old, is just 69 yards away from his sixth 1,000 yard season. Despite much of the spotlight in Tampa being shifted to the younger Evans, Jackson is still every bit of the player that has dominated the NFL for a decade. Don’t let Jackson’s impressive size deceive you, either, his long strides make him a deep-speed threat against even the fastest cornerbacks.
On the other side of the field, the Packers will match up for the first time with 21-year old sensation Mike Evans, who is a Rookie of the Year candidate with 59 receptions, 948 yards and 11 TD’s through just 14 games. Much like his elder counterpart, Evans has explosive long speed and is a constant threat to hit the home run out wide. He has slowed down his pace over the past few weeks, however, and the Green Bay Packers will hope to continue that trend. Sam Shield is likely to draw Evans in coverage on Sunday.
A key to preventing too large an impact from these two playmakers will be to force early throws from Josh McCown. The Buccaneers O-Line is a weakness, without a doubt, so look for Dom Capers to dial up pressure early and often.