Sunday’s Jets vs. Buccaneers NFL Week 3 match-up at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida:
Key Matchup
Buccaneers WR Mike Evans vs. Jets CB Sauce Gardner
Gardner kicked off the season with impressive performances against the Steelers and then the Bills. Now he’s up against Evans, who’s one of the most reliable receivers in the league.
Evans has achieved over 1,000 receiving yards for 11 straight seasons. At 32, he caught five passes in each of his first two games but hasn’t found the end zone yet.
Gardner, who covered Steelers star DK Metcalf in the first week, will likely have his hands full with Evans this time.
“I mean, he’s been around for a while. I’ve watched him play, so it’s a great chance to go against someone like him,” Gardner said. “He performs at a high level, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
The Jets will also need to keep an eye on rookie WR Emeka Egbuka, who’s already racked up three touchdown catches.
Brandon Stevens mentioned that if Egbuka lines up in the slot, it would allow them to match him more with Michael Carter II. However, there’s a chance Egbuka might not play as he’s listed as questionable.
Four Downs
Struggle to Avoid 0-3: The Jets are aiming to prevent their first 0-3 start since 2021. Following a hopeful vibe from their initial game against the Steelers, losing to the Bills shifted the mood.
Many fans didn’t have high expectations for the season, but the way they lost last week was unsettling. Yet, head coach Aaron Glenn insisted the team remains motivated.
“Our guys are bright and they’re driven,” Glenn said. “It’s only Week 2; it feels harsh, I know, given the outside talk, but the sky hasn’t fallen. We’ve been in tough spots before, so we can handle this.”
Todd’s Personal Challenge: This marks Todd Bowles’ debut against the Jets as head coach after serving from 2015 to 2018, leading them during their last winning season in 2015, where they went 10-6.
Bowles faced the Jets in 2021 while serving as the Buccaneers’ defensive coordinator and came away with a win.
Glenn, who was an assistant under Bowles with the Jets and Cowboys, remarked that the game is “personal” for him.
“He’s a good friend, no question,” Glenn added. “And he’s incredibly knowledgeable. I’ve had the chance to just sit with him and talk football quite often.”
Injuries on the Offensive Line: The Buccaneers will be missing three starting offensive linemen for this matchup. Tristan Wirfs is still recovering from a knee issue, while Luke Goedeke and Cody Mauch were injured last week.
This situation could heavily favor the Jets’ defensive line. However, there are concerns with Jermaine Johnson dealing with an ankle injury.
The Jets could apply significant pressure on QB Baker Mayfield with these backups stepping in.
Need for Turnovers: The Jets are yet to force a turnover this season, just like the Buccaneers. The Jets’ defense must step up and create some opportunities to help a struggling offense after last week’s performance.
Mayfield hasn’t thrown five TDs or interceptions in the first two games of the year.
“Once we grab that first takeaway, I think more will come,” he said. “Our guys are working hard to make it happen.”
Forecast
The Jets have shown both strong and sloppy play, ending up on the losing side twice. Facing a motivated Todd Bowles and Baker Mayfield at Tampa Bay’s home opener will be a tough ordeal. I expect it could get pretty messy.
Bucs 34, Jets 13
