Las Vegas Raiders 2020 Opponent Review: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
How the Raiders can win
There is a great unknown surrounding the Buccaneers in 2020 because so much of their success rides on whether Tom Brady is still any good. Brady was still good statistically in 2019 as he threw for 4000 yards and 24 touchdowns but the Patriots offense struggled at times. Some of that could be chalked up to the lack of weapons around Brady and it is reasonable that he would need more support than usual given his age.
Brady’s yards per attempt were his lowest since 2002 and that could also be attributed to the Patriots lacking a deep threat at any position. Even though he will be 43 when the 2020 season kicks off, the supporting cast around Brady in Tampa will be the best he has had in his career since the 16-0 season in 2007.
The Bucs already have arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL and the addition of Gronkowski, if healthy, will give Brady more weapons than any other quarterback.
If the Bucs are healthy and Brady is at his best this will be an incredible test of the Raiders credentials in their toughest stretch of the season. If the Raiders are to win then they will need to do what every team that has beaten the Patriots has done these past two decades, slow down Tom Brady.
Next. 3 bold predictions for the Las Vegas Raiders offense in 2020. dark
The key to defeating any Brady-led team is to disrupt his timing and create a great deal of inside pressure. Brady was never the most elusive quarterback but he is more statuesque than ever on this side of 40. If the Raiders can slow down the Bucs fearsome pass rush and create a pass rush of their own then there is a clear path to victory. This matchup has all the makings of a shootout and the Raiders will need to be at their best on both sides of the ball to come out with a victory.