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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 Bold predictions for Week 7 vs. Raiders

By Bob Blackwood

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 18: Tom Brady #12 celebrates with Ryan Jensen #66 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 18: Tom Brady #12 celebrates with Ryan Jensen #66 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Jason Pierre-Paul, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

5. The defense will have six or more sacks

The Buccaneers defense has been aggressive this season and has already registered 22 sacks which are tied with Baltimore for second in the NFL. Due to the Raiders adding Trent Brown to the reserve/COVID-19, the team recently also sent the rest of their starting offensive line as a part of contact tracing. This not only puts the game in a potential state of flux, but it also takes away from crucial preparation time for the offensive linemen.

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Expect the Buccaneers to attack the Raiders offensive line with aggressive blitzes early and often similar to what they did against the Packers. The Raiders have only given up eight sacks so far this season, we could expect them to find themselves in more passing down situations than they have been in most of their games thus far.

4. The defense will force three turnovers

If the Buccaneers are able to cause chaos with their pass rush, it would be easy to see them also forcing turnovers during the game on Sunday. The Raiders are already coming into the game with seven total giveaways while the Buccaneers have 11 takeaways. Look for more against a Raiders team based primarily on the run and the receiving prowess of tight end Darren Waller.

The Tampa Bay defense has been very opportunistic and 2020 and has looked to cause turnovers as often as possible. Expect the same Sunday as the Raiders have six fumbles on the season and Derek Carr tends to make mistakes when he faces pressure. If the team can force the Raiders into long passing downs or into a deep hole, the Raiders will succumb to the defensive pressure and give up the football.

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