Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds previews the upcoming Bucks game on six quick-acting topics. What’s at stake for the Bucks and their opponents, what will lead to Tampa Bay winning or losing, and some key matchups to watch each week.
The Bucks, who went on to win the NFC South in 2022 with an 8-9 record, finished the season in Minnesota against the Vikings, who finished first in the NFC North with a 13-4 record. to start. Both the Bucks and Vikings, who suffered disappointing home losses in the wildcard round of last year’s playoffs, want to start the season with the good vibes that a win in the season opener alone can provide.
What’s at Risk for the Bucks
Bucks OC Dave Canales – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
The Bucks have a brand new offense this year with freshman playcallers Dave Canales. Nothing convinces players of a new scheme like early success in attack. With a lack of footage to study Canales’ tendencies and preseason play-calling being fairly common, the Bucks have an element of surprise on offense that they need to capitalize on.
Todd Bowles isn’t exactly in form yet, coming out of an 8-9 season that was good enough to win the NFC South, but he’s trying to keep the critics at bay. should win early. The Bucks started 2-0 last year with impressive road wins in Dallas and New Orleans. This season could have a similar start.
A winnable but improved Bears team awaits a home opener against the Bucks in Week 2. A win home would take some of the pressure off against Chicago and give the young Tampa Bay team some momentum heading home. A team that started the season 0-2 would have fewer playoff chances.
What’s at Risk for the Vikings
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins – Photo Credit: USA Today
Minnesota needs a win at home in the opening game of the 2023 season to build momentum early on. The Vikings will travel to Philadelphia in a short week to face last year’s NFC champion Eagles next Thursday night.
Minnesota started last year with a 9-1 record, but suffered a second loss in the middle of the season to go 13-4. The Vikings, who beat Green Bay 23-7 in their home opener, lost 24-7 in their second game on Monday Night Football in Philadelphia last year.
So starting 0-2 would be a far cry from the hot start the Vikings had a year ago. So this year, it’s all-important for Minnesota to win Week 1 before heading to Philadelphia for a tough road game in Week 2. Last season ended with a disappointing playoff loss at home to the Giants. They’ll want to give fans something to cheer for as the 2023 campaign kicks off.
If the Bucks win…
Bucks QB Baker Mayfield – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Tampa Bay needs to win the turnover battle this year more than ever. The team has playoff-ready players, but the Bucks’ youth and inexperience in some positions leave them with less depth than other NFC powerhouses such as Philadelphia and San Francisco, leaving room for error. is small.
The Bucks can’t beat the Bucks this year. They aren’t good enough to overcome more than eight penalties in one game, and they certainly can’t win if they turn over more balls than they take away. A good team has the ability to win games even if they lose turnover battles because of their elite talent, but the Bucks roster isn’t there yet.
Baker Mayfield needs to start the season avoiding the interceptions that have derailed his career in the past, and the Bucks defense needs to start the season with a shot at Kirk Cousins. After recording 17 interceptions in 2021, Tampa Bay had just 10 interceptions last year. Limiting one or none turnovers and recording at least three takeaways on defense are the keys to the Bucks’ Opening Day victory.
If the Vikings win…
Vikings DT Kiris Tonga – Photo Credit: USA Today
Tampa Bay wants to establish a run this season and become more balanced offensively. That means the Bucks are likely to force a Week 1 run to set the tone for the season. Minnesota needs to capitalize on Tampa Bay’s young and revamped offensive line, win the line of scrimmage, and make progress on the run defense.
The Vikings defense ranked 31st in the league last year, allowing 391.1 yards per game, and the run defense ranked 21st, allowing 124.2 yards per game. Minnesota needs to stop conceding points to force Tampa Bay into a predictable passing situation, especially to sell out to create third and long downs. If the Bucks can keep the balance, it could be a long day for the Vikings defense.
But if Minnesota can stop Tampa Bay’s ground game with the help of big 6-foot-4, 338-pound nose tackle Kairis Tonga, it will unleash edge rushers Daniel Hunter and Marcus Davenport to put game-winning pressure on their right-handers. would be able to put of Baker Mayfield. In the Kirk Cousins-Mayfield game, the Vikings feel they have the upper hand at quarterback.
Key matchups in Bucks offense
OLB Daniel Hunter vs. RT Luke Goedeke
Vikings OLB Daniel Hunter – Photo Credit: USA Today
Hunters charge at the passer from both sides of the line, but mostly line up on the left and charge against tackles on the right. The Vikings’ new defensive coordinator, Bryan Flores, will want to attack the right flank of the young and inexperienced offensive line, which is the Bucks’ weak spot.
That means placing Hunter, the Vikings’ best pass rusher, on the left side in this game to edge rush Goedeke, then stunt on the inside and try to beat rookie right guard Cody Mauch on the changeup. do. At 6-foot-5 and weighing 263 pounds, Hunter is a genius pass rusher with speed and power in addition to having long arms that allow him to grab and sack the quarterback even when blocked. be.
Hunter, 28, has had double-digit sacks in four seasons. He had 10.5 sacks last year, his third Pro Bowl appearance. In Week 1, especially in a loud, raucous environment like a packed Bank of America Stadium, he’ll give Goedeke the best he can. Goedeke cannot be late for a match affected by crowd noise. Otherwise the hunter will make him pay.
Key matchups in the Bucks defense
WR Justin Jefferson vs. CB Carlton Davis III/Bucks Secondary
Bucks CB Carlton Davis III and Vikings WR Justin Jefferson – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Jefferson is an absolute game breaker and one of, if not the best, top 5 receivers in the NFL. A three-time Pro Bowler, he led the NFL in catches (128) and yards (1,809) last year, averaging 14.1 yards and eight touchdowns.
It’s a move that Bucks head coach and defensive playcaller Todd Bowles puts Davis, the best cornerback against Jefferson, in man coverage and, much like he did last year against Cincinnati’s jammer Chase, Davis’ go-to. Will it be a game that chases everywhere? Or maybe Bowles would really respect Jefferson’s deep speed and play more cover 2 zones with safe help over the top than he would like to limit Jefferson from playing on the field. Huh?
Either way, Jefferson can’t do more than 100 yards and one touchdown against the Bucks. Bowles’ defense did an effective job against Jefferson during his 2020 rookie season, holding him back. He gained 39 yards on eight targets and had just four catches. With Adam Thielen gone, KJ Osborne becomes the new No. 2 receiver without warning. Rookie Jordan Addison is also in the running. But when Jefferson slows down, the Bucks’ defense slows the Vikings’ overall offense — especially since Dalvin Cook hasn’t run back this year.
