Anybody notice the Bucs’ simple yet effective strategy for dealing with this? They went with a no-huddle offense out of the gate! They undoubtedly had their starting plays mostly scripted, and went straight into them. I think the Eagles’ defenders were having trouble getting on the same page of their defensive playbook … which can be a big problem when the defensive playbook has 350 pages.
Three times I started to post my picks for the games and three times I deleted my analysis because I kept second guessing myself. Now I wish I had gone ahead and posted anyway.
Well, I’ll make my call early this week. I just think the Buccs defense is too good to pick against. Yeah, the Raiders have a great offense, but defense has been huge the last few years and it is winning SuperBowls.
Why the Buccs will win:
Rob Johnson - he is efficient and he isn’t making big mistakes. He had an INT yesterday, but he quickly made up for it.
Bucc defense - It is solid through and through. If they can get to Gannon and hurry him just a little, it will be a long day for the Raiders. The titans just couldn’t get to him. This is the key to the entire game if you ask me.
Gruden - I don’t know if he is the genius he appears to be, but he can’t be discounted. He took a perenially playoff losing team and has them in the SuperBowl in convincing fashion.
Janikowski - He is unpredictable. If this comes down to field goals, and it probably will, gramatica is the guy to have.
The Raiders scored 41 points against a very good defense, but most of the points were had by special teams/turnovers. I don’t think the Buccs will make those mistakes.
Why the Raiders might win:
Gannon and company. Enough said.
The offensive line - They looked ROCK solid yesterday. Again, give Gannon time and he will destroy the buccs.
Alstott - He is a big, mean nasty back, but he can’t carry the team. If the Buccs can’t keep Gannon off the field, it will be tough to outscore the Raiders
K. Johnson - He talks big, but he really doesn’t come up with the huge catches when you think he should. He is a great receiver, but I think there will be a critical time when he is needed. If he makes ‘the catch’, Buccs will win.
The buccs basically won the game yesterday on the one play of Jerivicous. Take that play away, and it is completely different game. They will need more than just that to beat Oakland.
Bottom line:
Take the Buccs and give up the points. The 49ers had an awesome offense and it was completely neutralized by the buccs. Turnovers and the trenches are absolutely the keys to any game. The Buccs should win both.
