Mission: Green Bay Packers

For the first time this season, the Bucs will face a true test. The Green Bay Packers are once again a force to be reckoned with, and they will be seeking revenge following a loss last week. The team standing in their way? That would be Tampa. Each team is 2-1, and the Packers high-scoring offense will face a tough Buccaneers defense, while an improving Tampa offense will have to face a pretty good Green Bay defense.

Even without Brett Favre, the Packers are putting up a lot of points on the board. The offense is led by first year starter Aaron Rodgers, who is so far very impressive. When it’s not Rodgers, it is Ryan Grant and the renewed running game. While not showing the impressive power he had in 2007 (the Packers running game is ranked 15th in the league), Grant is still dynamic. Rodgers prime target is Greg Jennings, who has caught 19 of Rodgers 99 passes so far, the most by any Packers receiver. The Packers biggest downfall is their young defense. They are ranked 20th or lower in most defensive categories.

Key Matchup:
Bucs Defense vs. Aaron Rodgers
The Bucs are going to have a tough time against Aaron Rodgers. Believe it or not, Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. The Packers offense is powerful thanks to Rodgers and his ability to take the ball down the field. They are ranked 7th in the league in passing yards, 8th in total yards, 8th in total offensive yards, 9th in total passing plays, and 5th in points per game. In three games, Rodgers has thrown 0 interceptions, and has been sacked only 6 times, thanks to his mobility.
The Bucs defense is improving steadily by the week. Led by veterans and young stars alike, the Bucs defense ranks 9th in the league in total points allowed. If there is any time for Rodgers to throw his first interception as a starter, this would be the week to do it. The Bucs defense is ranked 5th in the league in interceptions with 4, and have an interception in all 3 games this season. Rodgers might also have to run a lot more this week, as the Bucs defense is ranked 9th in sacks with 8, and they also have a sack in every game this season. The Bucs biggest concern, of course, is the passing game. They are ranked 27th in the league when it comes to the passing game.

The Bucs have something to boast about that they haven’t had the privilege of doing before: they have a very good offense. Even though Earnest Graham is off to a slow start (the Bucs are 14th in rushing yards per game), the Bucs offense is complimented by their quarterback. That’s right, Brian Griese is good. He is a top 10 quarterback, ranking 1st in the league in total offensive plays, 1st in total passing plays, 1st in first downs passing, 2nd in average yards per passing play, and 6th in passing yards. Of course, 67 pass attempts in one week can’t hurt. Because of his gun-slinging last week, the Bucs offense is ranked 14th in the league in points per game, and 7th in total yards per game.

The Bucs hearts will be heavy this week, as they mourn the loss of Matt Bryant’s 3-month old son, who passed away on Wednesday. The Bucs aren’t sure if Bryant will play or not, but his good friend Josh Bidwell says he wouldn’t be surprised if Bryant did. Hopefully the Bucs can pull off an upset for Matt. I can see this being a high scoring game, but don’t hold your breath. We all saw what a strong defense can do to Aaron Rodgers, and the Bucs defense is a little better than the Dallas defense.