Buccaneers, Grudens’ Raiders Renew Acquaintances

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2), are coming off a dominating 38-10 win over the Green Bay Packers and look to carry that momentum into their matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. In the win, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski connected in the endzone for the first time as Buccaneers and the defense continues to be a presence in shutting down Aaron Rodgers. The Raiders (3-2), are coming off a bye week, are riding high after beating Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week Five. The game was originally scheduled for Sunday Night Football but was moved to 4:05 due to the Raiders COVID-19 issues.

One thing that will help the Buccaneers defense this week is a hobbled Raiders offensive line. On Thursday, the Raiders placed five players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list after Trent Brown tested positive earlier this week. With the loss of the entire offensive line, Derek Carr will have plenty on his plate with the likes of Lavonte David, Ndamukong Suh, Devin White, and Carlton Davis roaming the Buccaneers defense.

The Buccaneers blitzed Aaron Rodgers on 29 percent of his dropbacks causing him to go just 2-of-8 for just 10 yards. Expect much of the same as they try to get to Carr early. The Bucs are just 2-9 against the Raiders when they were in Oakland. The most recent game between the Bucs and Raiders was 2016. The Raiders would win in overtime 30-24.

It’s Always Bitter Between Brady And The Raiders

The Bucs may have a losing record against the Raiders, however, quarterback Tom Brady does not. Brady is 4-1 against the Raiders in his career including one playoff matchup. His one playoff win is of course the famous “Tuck Rule” game in 2001.  Brady and the Patriots would go on to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship and the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. That is the last time Brady faced Jon Gruden’s Raiders. Brady’s last game against the Raiders franchise was back in 2017 when the Patriots crushed them 33-8. Brady threw for 340 yards, three touchdowns, and a 132.0 passer rating. With Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Rob Gronkowski, and Scotty Miller. It could be a field day for the Brady and the Buccaneer offense. Raiders should consider themselves fortunate that newly signed receiver Antonio Brown is still a week away from his debut.

The Buccaneers Get Their Running Back, Back  This Week

Running back Leonard Fournette is playing on Sunday according to head coach Bruce Arians. Fournette has been dealing with an ankle injury these past two weeks. However, things are trending up with the running back and will be another weapon for Brady to use on Sunday. In four games this season, Fournette has rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Arians was going to play him last week against the Packers, however, they saw something pregame and decided to sit him. Having Fournette back is huge for the running game and the offense in general. He, along with Ronald Jones, bring a great dynamic with some of the long runs for big yardage. The two of them have combined for 595 yards and five touchdowns on the year. Running back LeSean McCoy hasn’t been an asset to the running game lately, so having Fournette back will add some depth and speed.