The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the defending NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
Both clubs will look to remain undefeated, while the Birds will get three starters back, and they’ll enter the contest on 11 days’ rest.
Buy Eagles TicketsWe’re looking at six early storylines to watch, with kickoff fast approaching.
Eagles front seven-Bucs interior offensive line
The Buccaneers’ interior offensive line is struggling despite the 2-0 start, has struggled to start the season.
Left guard Matt Feiler (59.5 grade), center Robert Hainsey (52.2 grade), and right guard Cody (49.0 grade) all had disastrous performances in the Week 2 win.
Jalen Hurts returns to the scene of the crime
Hurts was intercepted twice, had 88 yards in the first half, and was 16-of-32 passing through the first three-quarters of play in Philadelphia’s 31-15 loss to Tampa Bay during a Wild Card matchup in January 2022.
Overall, Hurts was 23-43 passing, for 258 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, with a 60 QBR –badly missing on several throws, while being guilty of stepping up or leaving the pocket too early, and had a disastrous performance.
Hurts is 0-1 against the Buccaneers in the regular season, and he’ll return to Raymond James Stadium as an All-Pro quarterback, MVP candidate, and Super Bowl participant.
Eagles defense a work in progress
Sean Desai’s unit has an interception return for a touchdown in the opening game at New England, six takeaways in the two wins – and plenty of pressure in the Eagles’ 2-0 start.
The unit still seems disjointed at times, and they’ll have to adjust on the fly, with Avonte Maddox likely out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle.
Philadelphia is looking for the sacks to pile up and strong play from Mario Goodrich in the slot.
A.J. Brown-Jalen Hurts dynamic
The Eagles All-Pro duo has moved past an apparent disagreement during the Week 2 win over the Vikings, with A.J. Brown calling it a discussion.
The star wide receiver is due for a big game and addressed the intense conversation with the godfather of his young daughter.
“Also, I want you to know, it was not about targets Brown said via the Eagles website. I’m sure everybody thought that because he threw me the ball three plays in a row afterwards but no, we were not over there discussing targets. It was something that happened earlier and we were having a discussion about it. I know that everybody took that out of context, but it’s not a big deal. Me and him are still on the same page, still growing, still trying to become great and get wins, most importantly.
Look for Brown to have a breakout performance.
Bucs will bring disguises
The Eagles’ offense is adjusting on the fly, and they’ll face a massive test on Monday night against an undefeated Buccaneers club led by a retooled defense that is causing turnovers and confusion thanks to head coach Todd Bowles and his multiple fronts and stacked lines of scrimmage.
Eagles looking to rewrite history
Philadelphia will look to spoil the festivities in Tampa on a night when the franchise will honor Eagles killer Ronde Barber.
The Birds have lost their last four games against the Buccaneers, and it’ll be a redemption opportunity for Jalen Hurts, who has struggled in both matchups.
The Buccaneers have several key defensive players to watch, including safety Antoine Winfield Jr., linebacker Devin White, and defensive tackle Vita Vea.
Baker Mayfield redemption tour
After leaving Cleveland, Mayfield made stops in Carolina and Los Angeles with the Rams, but his best football could be ahead of him in Tampa Bay.
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the biggest reason for the team’s 2-0 start is Mayfield’s success passing on third down. The Heisman Trophy winner is 20 of 23 for 201 yards and three touchdowns in those situations.
His 87% completion percentage on third down is the best in the league, and his 132.1 passer rating in such situations is second only to the Vikings’ Kirk Cousins.
