Gameday Tampa Bay
September 28th, 2008Packers (2-1) at Buccaneers (2-1)
Week 4
Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m.
TV: WTVT Channel 13.
Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network (in Tampa WFUS-FM, 103.5 and WDAE-AM, 620); Sirius Channel 113.
Weather: Per AccuWeather.com, perfect Florida weather. Temperature at kickoff expected to be 87 under partly sunny skies with a high of 90 sometime in the second half. A video forecast from AccuWeather.com can be seen via the NFL Network.
Odds: Per Bodog.com, Pick’em.
Outlook: If the Bucs can play much like they did in the overtime win over the Bears, this should be a solid game. The Bucs offensive line was nothing short of spectacular last week. No sacks in 67 throws with the statue-like Son of Bob in the pocket.
The Bears defense threw everything they had at the Bucs front five and, other than some struggling with run blocking, in which they were outmanned just in sheer numbers, this may have been the highwater mark for a Bucs offensive line.
Last week, longtime cornerback Ronde Barber had an awful game, making Bears journeyman wide receiver Brandon Lloyd look like Jerry Rice. Barber will have to return to his normal self if the Bucs hope to win. The Packers receivers are just a bit more talented than Brandon Lloyd and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a pretty big upgrade from Kyle Orton.
The Pack is a good team and the Bucs stiffest test this season. Historically, the Bucs have feasted on young quarterbacks. Tough game to call. The winner goes to 3-1 on the season. The loser has its fans lighting up sports radio in a state of panic.