From Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/2hj447ra
PHILADELPHIA — Last September, the Eagles wilted in the Tampa heat, dropping like flies as they were blasted 33-16 by a Buccaneers team that had bounced them from the playoffs the season before.
It was a gut punch that forced a full identity check.
Now, with Sunday’s forecast calling for humidity soaring toward triple digits, the Eagles return for another steamy Week 4 road test. They arrive with some swagger after a stirring comeback a week ago, but Tampa Bay remains perilous. The Buccaneers, eager to prove their undefeated start is no fluke, have been a sticky matchup for the Birds in recent years.
The Eagles’ rally against the Rams featured two blocked field goals and clutch late-game execution, but they can’t afford to keep living on the edge. Their offense finally took flight in the second half, involving A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, but quarterback Jalen Hurts wants to connect with his top receiving playmakers much earlier going forward.
A better passing attack could open up gaps for Saquon Barkley in the running game, which has been gritty but not explosive (58 carries for 194 yards) as opponents have focused on the record-setting rusher.
Coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged an up-tempo approach sparked the second-half turnaround against Los Angeles and indicated it remains an option.
“It’s always part of our game planning,” he said Friday. “Some years have been a little bit more, some games have been a little bit more. We operate well out of it, and there’s a time and place for it.”
Sirianni is 1-3 against the Bucs since the Eagles hired him in 2021. After the embarrassing loss there a year ago, the team had a Week 5 bye in which they found their formula of physicality, running the ball and developing a top-ranked defense. They’re still forging this year’s identity, particularly on offense, while coach Todd Bowles’ defensive-minded Buccaneers feel like they have something special going on.
“I’ve felt different about this team, this year for a while now,” Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield said. “The way this group has handled things, the way guys have been able to execute, that is huge. That is maturity, that is growth, that is guys taking what we have talked about and being able to transfer it into a critical moment. … It is not like we are doing these crazy schemes in these moments; guys are just doing the little things right and executing.”
Mayfield (right biceps) is listed as questionable for Sunday, but Bowles expects him to play despite being limited in Friday’s practice. Also questionable are tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee), wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) and defensive lineman Logan Hall (groin). Godwin and Wirfs were full participants Friday.
Eight-time Pro Bowl wideout Mike Evans (hamstring) is out multiple weeks. He burned the Eagles for 94 yards and a touchdown last September.
For the Birds, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (groin) is doubtful after he was limited in Friday’s session. Linebackers Zack Baun (knee) and Jihaad Campbell (triceps), right tackle Lane Johnson (stinger), backup QB Tanner McKee (right thumb) and running back Will Shipley (oblique) were all full participants.
With Jackson likely out or seeing limited snaps, and Jakorian Bennett (pectoral) on injured reserve, Kelee Ringo will get another shot at the second outside corner position, opposite Quinyon Mitchell.
“I’m a huge believer in what you put into the game is what you’re going to get out of it,” Ringo said. “I’ve been putting time in. I just feel like the results are going to lay where they shall fall. I’ve been putting in any time for any moment that comes to me.”
Also on IR are edge rusher Nolan Smith (triceps) and rookie receiver Darius Cooper (shoulder). How effectively the Eagles can replace Smith — which will involve more snaps for Za’Darius Smith — will be something to keep an eye on.
Buccaneers balanced early
Tampa Bay has matched Philadelphia’s 3-0 mark behind steady quarterback play and a rugged defense. Mayfield has thrown for 615 yards and six touchdowns. Rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka, the 19th overall pick out of Ohio State, has stepped up with 181 yards and three TDs, and the Bucs’ ground game ranks seventh in the league at 130.7 yards per contest (a large chunk of which includes Mayfield scrambling).
Defensively, the Buccaneers limited the Jets to 99 rushing yards in last week’s 29–27 win and held them to a 27% third-down rate. Linebacker Lavonte David and edge rusher Yaya Diaby anchor a front that has delivered pressure in key moments.
Eagles’ keys to the game
Control the line: Tampa Bay’s running game and pass rush are both strengths. Philadelphia’s offensive and defensive fronts must dictate terms.
Pressure Mayfield: He has yet to throw an interception this season. Disrupting his timing could be the difference, especially with a shaky Bucs O-line and Evans sidelined.
Hurts vs. Bowles: With Bowles’ mix of coverages and blitzes, Hurts has had his struggles against the Bucs’ defense in the past but is hoping to break that trend. “He’s got a lot of tools and a lot of things in his system that he does that are very challenging, and that’s what makes them such a great team and a great defense,” Hurts said. “Knowing all those things he has available, you just really want to trust the preparation you have.”
Lane Johnson vs. Haason Reddick: The former teammates who used to square off in practice will meet for the first time since the Eagles parted with Reddick a year and a half ago. The edge rusher, whom the Buccaneers inked to a one-year, $14 million deal, has 12 pressures and a sack this year.
Use tempo strategically: The Eagles’ passing attack has lagged, but quick sequences may help keep Tampa’s defense off balance.
Limit mistakes: Penalties and return miscues nearly cost them against Los Angeles. Against another undefeated opponent, errors will be magnified.
Beat the heat: The Birds’ flight left Friday after practice, a day earlier than normal for most away games, to try to get acclimated to the Tampa temperatures. They did play in similar heat indexes during much of training camp. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said he wasn’t sure if leaving early would make a difference, but reiterated his summer refrain that “heat is a mindset.”
Pregame position grades
Here’s how the teams match up heading into Sunday. Performances will be evaluated postgame.
QB: Eagles A, Bucs A-
RB: Eagles A+, Bucs B
TE: Eagles A-, Bucs B
WR: Eagles A, Bucs B
OL: Eagles A-, Bucs C-
DL: Bucs A-, Eagles B+
LB: Eagles A, Bucs C
CB: Eagles B, Bucs B
S: Eagles B, Bucs B-
ST: Eagles A-, Bucs B
On the air: Eagles (3-0) at Buccaneers (3-0), Sunday, 1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium. TV: FOX 29, Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi. Radio/streaming: 94.1-FM WIP, Tico, Sports USA.
Odds: Eagles by 3.5. Over/under 44.5.
NOTES: The Eagles’ Jordan Davis leads all defensive tackles in the NFL with 16 tackles and three pass deflections through three weeks. … The Birds have won 17 straight games started and finished by Hurts. … The Eagles and Bucs are two of just six remaining undefeated clubs, alongside Buffalo, the Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco and Indianapolis.
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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc