Photo Credit: ESPN
The Seattle Seahawks return home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a pivotal matchup between two NFC teams. Both teams come into this game with a 3-1 record. This game has playoff seeding implications, so calling it a big game might be an understatement.
However, both teams are plagued by the injury bug. The Seahawks may be without Julian Love and Devon Witherspoon this week, despite both returning to action last Thursday. If they both miss this week’s game, Josh Jobe and Derion Kendrick will likely see the field much more, and they’ve both stepped up big time this year.
As bad as it may seem for Seattle, Tampa Bay may have it worse. The Buccaneers could be without their starting running back, left tackle, and wide receiver. As a Seahawks fan, you might think the Bucs being undermanned would help ease my nerves, but you’d be wrong. This game is massive, and I’m as nervous as ever.
One of the biggest storylines heading into the game is Sam Darnold facing off against Baker Mayfield. Both quarterbacks were teammates in 2022 with the Carolina Panthers, and both were ultimately kicked to the curb. Since then, they’ve each revitalized their careers and turned into Pro Bowl quarterbacks, Mayfield with the Buccaneers over the past two seasons, and Darnold with the Vikings last season.
Before I give you my three keys to a Seattle victory, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that both teams will be wearing their throwback jerseys this Sunday, as they celebrate their 50th anniversaries in the NFL. It should be one of the best uniform matchups all season.
1. Stop Emeka Egbuka
Only in his first year, Egbuka has been dominating since he stepped on the field. Even before Mike Evans went down with an injury, Egbuka was making a major impact, not only for the Bucs, but across the NFL. He’s currently 12th in the league in receiving yards and third in touchdowns. The Buccaneers’ passing attack has gone through him, and I don’t expect that to change. Tariq Woolen has struggled mightily for the Seahawks all season, and if Witherspoon doesn’t play, look for the Bucs to try and exploit this matchup. The Seahawks are going to have to bring their A-game to slow down the Buccaneers’ air attack, especially Egbuka.
2. Aggressive Play Calling
I mentioned in my recap of last week’s game that the Seahawks’ conservative play calling nearly cost them the win. I’m hoping they’ve learned from those mistakes and are ready to adjust their offensive philosophy. The Buccaneers rank 8th in the league in explosive plays this season (plays over 20 yards), so short passes aren’t going to cut it, especially if the game turns into a shootout. I expect Seattle to take more shots downfield this week and try to take the wind out of the Buccaneers’ sails. (No pun intended.)
3. Utilize Kenneth Walker in the Passing Game
We know what Kenneth Walker can do in the running game and how dynamic he is in space. But through four games, he’s only been targeted seven times. That’s simply not enough. Walker is too talented to be limited to just the ground game. I understand Seattle wants to use a committee backfield with him and Zach Charbonnet, but Walker could absolutely be more involved as a receiver. Just last game, Seattle drew up a screen pass for him that went for 29 yards, and then never called another one. You’re telling me you see a play that works and don’t want to run it again? Walker’s had a solid start to the season, but I don’t think he’s been used to his full potential. Hopefully, that changes this week.
Kickoff is set for 1:05 PM this Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle.
