Game Scout: Eagles at Buccaneers
Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla. - TV: FOX
*TV announcers: Dick Stockton, Ronde Barber, Kris Budden
*Keys to the game: Bucs QB Mike Glennon had the bye week to get better acclimated working with WRs Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams and gets to work against Philadelphia's 29th-ranked pass defense. Tampa Bay will attempt to keep the pressure off Glennon by leaning on RB Doug Martin. The ground game is especially important in ball control against the Eagles, who can wear defenses out with their frantic pace. Philadelphia expects the Bucs' defensive game plan to center on CB Darrelle Revis shadowing WR DeSean Jackson and allowing the rest of the defense to focus on RB LeSean McCoy with QB Nick Foles expected to start for injured Michael Vick (hamstring). The Bucs are allowing just 3.7 yards per carry and can attempt to replicate the success the Giants had in shutting down the Eagles' inside zone runs last week. Philadelphia spent a good part of this week adjusting its blocking schemes should Tampa Bay replicate the Giants' approach of having their defensive linemen slant and angle inside.
*Matchup to watch - Bucs CB Darrelle Revis vs. Eagles WR DeSean Jackson: Jackson lit the flame during the week by saying he doesn't think Revis "can run with me." Jackson is off to the best start of his career with 525 receiving yards and averaging 18.8 yards per reception through five games. Revis held Jackson to two catches for 28 yards the last time they squared off when Revis was a Jet.
*Player spotlight - Eagles C Travis Kelce: The usually steady Kelce admitted he struggled with the Giants' defensive line last week, contributing to McCoy gaining just 46 yards on 20 games.
*Fast facts: Of Jackson's 28 receptions this season, 24 have gone for first downs. No other Eagle has more than nine. ... Eagles coach Chip Kelly turned down the Bucs' head coaching job two years ago. The job eventually went to Greg Schiano.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Bucs are rested coming off their bye and should have fresh legs to cope with the Eagles' frenetic offense. The question is whether rookie QB Mike Glennon can hit on a few deep passes to help open running lanes for Doug Martin.
*Our pick: Bucs 17-16
