Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles faces a difficult challenge on Sunday as the team attempts to avoid a 1-4 record against a Pittsburgh Steelers squad that sits at 3-2. The Buccaneers secured their first victory of the season against the Dallas Cowboys, but facing a balanced Steelers attack presents a new hurdle for the defense.
Can the Bucs Stop Jaylen Warren?
Stopping running back Jaylen Warren is a top priority for Todd Bowles. Warren leads the Steelers in both rushing and receiving yards, accumulating 410 yards on the ground and 230 through the air. His success is reflected in advanced metrics, as he ranks sixth in the NFL with an expected points added per play of +0.131. Bowles acknowledged the threat, noting that Warren performs well in pass protection and makes defenders miss in the open field.
“I mean, he’s been playing outstanding at running, blocking and pass receiving,” Bowles said. “He’s doing everything. He’s a very good pass protector. He’s an outstanding runner, and he can catch the ball very well, and he makes you miss. [If] you miss a tackle, a guy like that, if you don’t wrap up, he’s going to take it to the house. So, he’s been playing great football.”
Can the Bucs Get Their Own Running Game Going?
Bucky Irving provides optimism for Tampa Bay’s ground attack after rushing for 165 yards against Dallas. While that performance may not be replicated, the Buccaneers rank seventh in the league with 133.0 rushing yards per game. The team averages 4.9 yards per carry, which is the fifth-best rate in the NFL. To win against Pittsburgh, the offense will need to establish a consistent running rhythm against a Steelers run defense that ranks 13th in the league.
Can the Bucs Get to Aaron Rodgers?
The Buccaneers’ pass rush remains a significant weakness. The entire defense has a sack rate of 3.49%, which is 30th in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers has been sacked at a rate of 6.97%, making him the 11th-most-sacked quarterback in the league. Tampa Bay has struggled to generate pressure for years, and the Bucs will look to edge rushers and interior players like Calijah Kancey to pressure Rodgers into quick throws.
