Unbeaten Eagles set to take on Buccaneers in Monday Night Football showdown
The Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) are gearing up for a clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) in a highly anticipated matchup on Monday Night Football. Both teams have started the season with perfect records and look to extend their winning streaks in this battle of unbeaten teams.
One key matchup to watch is between Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Hurts, the runner-up for the MVP award last season, has had a decent start to the 2023 season. Despite facing tough defenses in his first two games, Hurts has managed to lead the Eagles to victory by completing 71.4% of his passes for 363 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. However, he has struggled with pressure and has been sacked seven times already this season. Bowles’ defense is known for aggressive blitzing, which could pose a challenge for Hurts. The Buccaneers have blitzed opposing quarterbacks on 37.8% of drop-backs, ranking sixth in the league. Hurts has performed well against the blitz but will face a formidable challenge against Bowles’ aggressive defense.
Hurts will also look to improve his record against the Buccaneers. He is currently 0-2 against them, with his most recent loss coming in his first playoff game last season. Hurts struggled in that game and finished with a passer rating of 60.0. However, Hurts has shown significant growth since then, having a Pro Bowl season in between.
Another key matchup to watch is the Eagles’ strong run game against the Buccaneers’ dominant run defense. The Eagles’ passing attack has been slow to start this season, but their run game has been impressive. In Week 2, the Eagles ran for 259 yards, led by rookie running back D’Andre Swift, who had a remarkable 175-yard game against the Minnesota Vikings. Since head coach Nick Sirianni took over in 2021, the Eagles have had the most games with 200+ rushing yards in the NFL.
However, the Buccaneers, under the leadership of Todd Bowles, have maintained the top-ranked run defense in the league since 2019, allowing just 91.22 yards per game. In the first two games of the 2023 season, the Buccaneers have the second-best rushing defense, allowing just 54.0 yards per game. The Eagles’ run game will face a tough challenge against the Buccaneers’ stout defensive line.
Another area of focus will be the matchup between Eagles interior offensive linemen Jason Kelce and Cam Jurgens against Buccaneers nose tackle Vita Vea. Vea is known for his dominance against the run and has added pass-rushing skills in recent years. Weighing in at 350 pounds, Vea presents a significant challenge for the Eagles’ undersized interior linemen. Vea was a Pro Bowler last season and has the potential to disrupt the Eagles’ offensive line.
On the defensive side, the Eagles’ takeaway defense will try to make an impact against Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has had a stellar start to the season, completing 69.1% of his passes for 490 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. He has been careful with the football and has excelled under pressure and on third downs. Mayfield leads the league in third-down completion percentage and ranks second in third-down passer rating.
However, the Eagles have been opportunistic on defense, forcing six turnovers in their first two games, the second-most in the league behind the Dallas Cowboys. Mayfield will face a strong Eagles defense that has a knack for creating turnovers.
In another matchup, Eagles edge rusher Haason Reddick will look to exploit his matchup against Buccaneers tackle Luke Goedeke. Reddick has had a slow start to the season due to a thumb injury but has shown in the past that he can be a game-changing pass rusher. Goedeke has struggled at times, giving up a sack in Week 1 against the Vikings. Reddick will look to take advantage of this matchup and disrupt the Buccaneers’ passing game.
The Eagles’ cornerbacks will also have their hands full trying to contain Buccaneers receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Evans has been a model of consistency with nine straight 1,000-yard seasons. He has already made an impact this season with 12 catches for 237 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Eagles will rely on their star cornerback Darius Slay, who has had a strong start to the season. James Bradberry is expected to return from a concussion, further bolstering the Eagles’ secondary. However, the absence of Avonte Maddox, who is out for the season with a torn pec, will be a blow to the Eagles’ defense.
Overall, the Monday Night Football showdown between the Eagles and the Buccaneers promises to be an exciting matchup between two undefeated teams. Both teams have key matchups to watch, with quarterbacks, run games, defensive lines, and cornerbacks facing off against each other. The outcome of these matchups will likely determine the result of the game.