NFL Week 7: These 5 teams are desperate for a win
By Joe Schiller
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers were everyone’s sleeper pick this season. With a talented roster and even more offseason additions, many expected them to dominate coming out of the gate. Through six weeks the Bucs are 2-3 and without Jameis Winston for the time being. Winston’s playing status is uncertain in a must-win game on the road Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
It’s still early, but we haven’t seen that breakout team that was talked about this offseason. The offense has had no trouble putting up points, but the pass defense has been mediocre at best. Just last week, the Bucs found themselves down 31-0 against a struggling Arizona Cardinals team. And granted, Jameis Winston was forced out with a shoulder injury, but he’s not the one playing defense. Vernon Hargreaves and the secondary straight up have to play better football, there’s no other way to put it.
In a NFC South division that’s proving to be competitive this season, the Bucs have to stay in the mix. Even the Saints are catching fire and it looks like it could be anyone’s division right now. A win is certainly possible Sunday, but it won’t be easy on the road in Buffalo.
The Bills have been a hard team to gauge this season, but they’re coming off a bye and always play well at home. If Winston doesn’t play, it’s going to take a solid team effort for the Bucs to come away with a win in Orchard Park.