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 (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

2. The Buccaneers will shut down Aaron Jones and the Packers running game

Tampa Bay was one of the league’s best rush defenses throughout most of the regular season. Even though the Buccaneers’ run defense is not what it has been, they are due for another big performance on Sunday.

The most important factor is the return of nose tackle Vita Vea who was activated off of IR on Friday. He most likely will play limited snaps, but having him in the rotation will provide a big difference. Vea has the ability to eat up blockers and let Devin White and Lavonte David run free. Steve McClendon has been taking snaps while Rakeem Nunez-Roches stepped into Vea’s starting role but it hasn’t been the same.

If Vea can give the team anything, the Buccaneers can also use McClendon to help keep Ndamukong Suh fresh. Suh is having a good year, but he is 34 and could use plays off from time to time. With White playing like he did last week and Lavonte David being his usual spectacular self, the Buccaneers can easily shut down the Green Bay running attack.

In addition to the front seven, the Tampa Bay secondary is strong against the run. This is one game and they can bring it back together again. Once they are able to stop the run, they can bring full pressure on Rodgers.

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