Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Packers in NFC Championship

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 17: Mike Edwards #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after intercepting a pass thrown by Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 17, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lavonte David. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. Todd Bowles will bring pressure on Aaron Rodgers

When the Buccaneers played the Packers during the regular season, the defense ruled the game. Despite giving up the game’s first ten points, the Buccaneers defense gave Aaron Rodgers fits. He ended the game with just 160 yards and two interceptions with no touchdowns.

Look for defensive coordinator Todd Bowles to do similar again on Sunday. Against the Saints, he was patient and called an aggressive defense. The Buccaneers knew the Saints struggle to throw the ball down the field and took advantage. They did not do the same when they had last played them during the regular season.

Bowles likes to play an aggressive scheme even if the team is in zone coverage. I expect him to throw multiple pass-rush looks against the Packers on Sunday. They were able to sack Rodgers five times in the last meeting. They will top the number on Sunday.

The Buccaneers will bring pressure from all over the field. Devin White could have multiple sacks coming from the middle. I also expect some safety blitzes from Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead. All bets will be off, which will help suffocate Rodgers and force turnovers. This will also force Rodgers to become impatient and change his pace of play.

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