The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to snap a three-game losing streak, but they face a tough opponent in the Buffalo Bills on a short week. Following two consecutive losses, the Bucs have an uphill task against a more talented squad on the road. It will take a strong effort and near-perfect execution on both sides of the ball to steal an upset in Buffalo.
In this weekly piece, BucsGameday will preview the next opponent. We’ll go over their previous season, the moves they’ve made this year, and the best players to watch on both offense and defense to give you an idea of what to anticipate on game day.
The Buccaneers and Bills have only played 12 times since the team’s founding in 1976. The Bucs have a huge lead over Buffalo, with eight wins to four. This includes a 33-27 overtime victory in the two teams’ most recent meeting in 2021.
The Bills’ roster and coaching staff saw numerous changes as offensive coordinator Brian Daboll resigned to become the Giants’ head coach. He was succeeded by Ken Dorsey, the quarterbacks coach. In an effort to improve their pass rush, they signed a big contract with free agent Von Miller and chose cornerback Kaiir Elam and running back James Cook in the first two rounds.
Buffalo ended the 2022 season with a 13-3 record, good for second place in the AFC Conference. Due to a concerning medical condition with safety Damar Hamlin, they concluded with one fewer win/loss because their game against the Bengals was declared a no contest. They defeated the Dolphins in the Wild Card Round before losing to the Bengals in the Divisional Round, therefore ending their season.
Leonard Floyd joined the Bills as a free agent in 2023, bolstering their pass rush. The decision paid off early in the season, as he leads the club with 6.5 sacks. Connor McGovern, a free agency guard, has been a regular presence on the Bills’ offensive line.
Buffalo has received consistent play from second-round pick O’Cyrus Torrance at the other guard position. While first-round tight end Dalton Kincaid has recently emerged and will play a larger role following Dawson Knox’s
injury. However, the emergence of second-year players linebacker Terrell Bernard and running back James Cook may have made the most significant difference for this Bills club.
Allen’s arm power helps him to easily throw deep passes to his preferred target, Stefon Diggs. However, he can bowl over defenders when he tucks the ball and rushes. His accuracy has improved in previous years, but he has thrown some interceptions this season. Despite this, he remains one of the league’s greatest quarterbacks, with nearly 2,000 passing yards and 15 touchdowns on the season.
Diggs is arguably the NFL’s most consistent receiver in recent years. He excels at route running and separation, as well as making tough catches. His speed and agility make him a threat after the catch, and he has excellent hands and body control, making him difficult for defenders. He is, simply described, a playmaker.
Dawkins, who stands 6’5 and weighs 320 pounds, possesses the bulk and strength to be a strong offensive lineman. He has quick feet, agility, and a powerful anchor, which allow him to effectively block speed and power rushers. This season, he has allowed only 11 pressures and has yet to allow a sack on Allen’s blindside. His ability to respond to pass rushers with excellent technique, combined with his high football IQ, make him an invaluable member of the Bills’ offensive line.
Oliver remains a top defensive tackle in the league. His ability to penetrate gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield has resulted in four sacks so far this season. With his strength and leverage, he can break up double teams while preventing blocks from progressing. Oliver’s mobility and fast change of direction allow him to play off the ball while still making tackles in space.
Even at 34, Miller is one of the NFL’s finest pass rushers. He still has the quickness to get off the edge, which allows him to consistently defeat tackles and put pressure on the quarterback. With age, he has perfected the technical aspects of his game, allowing him to defeat opponents who are younger and faster than him. He is still a playmaker and a constant threat to cause turnovers.
