Preview: Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers

by Brandon on Nov 18, 2011 7:01 AM CST in Green Bay Packers Preview

When I first saw this game on the Green Bay Packers schedule, I thought it was a likely win. Both teams finished 10-6 in 2010, but the Buccaneers only outscored their opponents by a combined 23 points, which indicates that their record should have been closer to 8-8. Also, home field advantage kicks in when you combine distance and temperature change, so it seemed like they already had two strikes against them.

And so far this season, the teams are heading in opposite directions. While the Bucs have a respectable 4-5 record, they've lost their last three (including an ugly 37-9 home loss last week to the Texans) and they've been outscored by 77 points this season. Here are some team rankings from Football Outsiders:

	Packers	Bucs
Pass Offense	1	22
Pass Defense	17	31
Run Offense	13	12
Run Defense	21	20
Special Teams	9	5

The two key stats are pass offense and pass defense. While the Packers are ranked No. 1 in pass offense, if it were a letter grade it would be A+++. They're comfortably ahead of the Patriots at No. 2, and miles ahead of the Saints at No. 3.

On the other hand, the Buccaneers aren't just the second worst pass defense in the NFL, they're several percentage points worse than the third worst (Chiefs). What the Packers did last week to the Vikings pass defense should happen again next Sunday.

And with the Buccaneers coming in at an anemic 25th in scoring (17.3 per game) it's hard to see how they can score the 30 points needed to beat the Packers. With the line at 14, everyone placing money on the game would seem to agree.

Packers 31, Buccaneers 13.

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Comments

Only 31 pts

yea right – way low…..

Especially after you just finished stating they are the 2nd worst pass D.

aaaaaaaaahh, I gotta go!!

by b3nihana on Nov 18, 2011 9:33 AM CST reply actions

In the dream scenario GB gets up early via pass

And then they break out the running game in a big way

Want the defense to be as fresh as possible for the Lions

And ball control Sunday is a good step in that direction

by Big10freak on Nov 18, 2011 10:33 AM CST via mobile reply actions

Start flynn

Would be pretty funny

by Acme on Nov 18, 2011 11:26 AM CST via mobile reply actions

I think the real bet should be ...

Will Flynn end up completing more passes than Tebow?

The Packers are on top of their game with the Buccaneers really struggling on defence with little offence. Therefore, I see a 41-17 Packers victory with Finley having a monstrous day with over 150+ receiving yards and 2 TD’s as Tampa cannot cover an excellent TE – not at all.

GO PACK GO … TO 10-0!!!!

Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.

"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."

by hawks61 on Nov 18, 2011 5:33 PM CST reply actions

That's not how you spell offense or defense

"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"

by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Nov 18, 2011 11:58 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

STOP TROLLING OUR FOREIGN FRIENDS!

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Nov 19, 2011 12:22 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs

I DRINK FROM BUBBLERS!!

I already told you! I deal with the god damn receivers so the linebackers don’t have to! I have coverage skills; I’m good at covering people! Can’t you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?!

by msc32887 on Nov 19, 2011 8:35 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs