Bucky Brooks' Scouting Report: Week 14 at Buccaneers

Dec 07, 2024 at 12:21 PM

Bucky Brooks

NFL.com Analyst

Who is the Guy?

Baker Mayfield has become the Buccaneers' franchise quarterback after a circuitous route to Tampa. The former No. 1 overall pick has flourished running a quick-rhythm offense that enables him to play as a pass-first point guard, leading a fast break. Despite missing a few key pieces to the Buccaneers' offensive puzzle, Mayfield's pinpoint accuracy and exceptional efficiency make the offense a headache to defend.

Know His Name

Mike Evans is a future gold jacket recipient with a knack for playmaking on the perimeter. The 11th-year pro started his career with 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons, averaging a robust 15.2 yards per catch. As a vertical playmaker specializing in winning jump balls along the boundary, the Raiders must neutralize the 6-foot-5, 231-pounder with double coverage to minimize his impact as a pass catcher.

Don't Sleep On

Bucky Irving's emergence as a big play specialist out of the backfield has added a dimension to the Buccaneers offense. The elusive scat back can produce explosive plays as a runner or receiver in an offense designed to create plenty of big-play chances for the rookie.

Under Pressure

Lavonte David is shouldering a heavy workload as the Buccaneers' defensive leader in his 13th season. The veteran linebacker leads the team in tackles (85), while also sparking the team as a turnover machine (three forced fumbles and an interception) and pass rusher (three sacks). David's versatility as an impact player makes it imperative for the Raiders to track his whereabouts on crucial downs.

Matchup to Watch

Vita Vea vs. Raiders' interior O-Line

The Buccaneers' top defensive player is an unstoppable force at the point of attack. Measuring 6-foot-4, 347 pounds with running back-like agility, Vea overwhelms blockers with his strength, power and wiggle. He is a rare find as an interior defender with exceptional run-stopping skills and pass-rush ability from nose tackle or "junk" tackle alignment. With most pivots unable to handle his explosiveness without assistance from an offensive guard, Vea's presence creates opportunities for others to make plays along the frontline.

Offensive Strategy

The Buccaneers prefer a balanced offense with a mix of quick-rhythm throws and vertical shots complementing an off-tackle running game. Though the unit is down a few difference makers (Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs), the Buccaneers have found various ways to mask their flaws while putting points on the board. Whether it requires Mayfield to throw it 40-plus times or relying on an improving running game sparked by Irving, the Buccaneers have enough firepower and stylistic versatility to compete against the league's top teams.

Defensive Strategy

Todd Bowles has never met a blitz he did not like. The veteran defensive play-caller is a blitzing specialist with an encyclopedia-like playbook that features a myriad of man and zone pressures that keep opponents guessing. Although the blitz-heavy approach can leave their cornerbacks on islands, Bowles will throw in some umbrella coverage behind the pressure to limit explosive pass plays that hurt aggressive teams.

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Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce departs for the regular season away game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.