Mike Sliwinski

It has been a long time with a lot of football played between the last Eagles game and the upcoming one on Monday night. 28 other teams have played 2 games with the other 3 of the 31 playing one since last Thursday. Both the Eagles and Bucs are 2 and 0, yet the Bucs are a bit of a surprise, and the way people talk about the Eagles now, you would think they were 0 and 2.

It hasn’t been pretty for the Eagles, two single digit victories where they won the turnover battle in both games and with the ball bouncing differently, they could have lost either game…in theory. First game is always sloppy, bad weather in New England against the GOAT coach and a good defense, followed up by a Thursday night game, granted it was home, but they are notoriously sloppy games. Fact is, they are 2-0 right now and where they want to be. They come in off a mini bye, and had plenty of time to clean things up.

Offensively, I still don’t think things are perfect for the Eagles, I think they still struggle a bit, but they get AJ Brown and Dallas Goedert going, while continuing to stay balanced with a heavy rushing attack. It’s early and Tampa hasn’t faced an offensive juggernaut, but they have averaged 17 points against the first two weeks.

On the other side of the ball, the Eagles have another tough test. Baker Mayfield has looked good with the best receiver core he has likely ever had. Evans and Godwin are right up there with Brown and Smith as one of the best WR combos in the league. As a team they are putting up almost 24 points a game.

So what does it all mean, when the Bucs host the Eagles? The line has held steady with the Birds the away favorite, by 4.5. I think Tampa facing their first true test with a well rested Eagles team hangs with them. I don’t think this is a blowout or double digit win. I think Tampa is a decent team but not in the same class as the Eagles and the Eagles both slow them down a bit offensively and also put more points on Tampa then they had given up in the last 2 games. In the end I do think the Eagles cover, but wouldn’t be shocked if they didn’t and the game ends up being closer than most people think. Eagles 28 Bucs 20

Sean Selby

Perhaps I am being too optimistic, but this one just feels like a complete “get right” game for the offense this week. The Birds are 2-0 with a chance to be alone on top of the NFC East this week as they travel to Philly South in Tampa. Yeah, that’s right. We have PLENTY of Eagles fans who have made their way to Raymond James Stadium to go along with the transplants in the area, that I won’t be surprised if it’s a 60/40 crowd to dim the homefield advantage for the Bucs.

After a little spat between Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown during last Thursday’s win against the Vikings, I get the feeling that Brown is going to have a monster game. The Bucs may be looking to stop D’Andre Swift and the running game which could open things up for the star receiver. I also think Dallas Goedert gets more involved this week as well.

The Eagles defense gets healthy (aside from Nakobe Dean) and they face a Buccaneers offense that on paper should not scare you. But, this is the NFL and every week is a challenge. Baker Mayfield has been solid through two games this year, and Mike Evans has been a big part of that. However, their previous opponents were the Vikings and Bears. This Eagles front is a different monster and I expect them to be able to hold the fort down enough to secure a relatively easy win. Eagles by double digits. Eagles 31, Bucs 17

Pat Mulranen

Is this a must-win game for the Eagles?

Well, if the Eagles lose, it’s not like their season will be over. But after the Cowboys, Commanders and Giants lost their Week 3 matchups, the Eagles really do have a great opportunity to create some space in the NFC East. 

That reason alone makes this a “must-win” situation. 

But will the Eagles capitalize? 

I think so! I know the first two games did not exactly instilled a lot of confidence. But you have to remember Week 1 was most likely sloppy because some players, like Jalen Hurts, did not play in the preseason. 

Going off that, the Eagles had a short week to prepare for the Vikings. Again, that win wasn’t perfect. But Thursday night games are always weird. We all know that. And, they were without many key players, such as James Bradberry and Reed Blankenship. Both were massive losses, and the Vikings put up a lot of passing yards.

Both practiced in full capacity Friday and are expected to start against the Buccaneers. Having both of them back will be huge. Darius Slay will have his hands full trying to stop Mike Evans, but at least Blankenship or Bradberry could be in the vicinity of Chris Godwin. 

I’m definitely more confident in the pass defense with them back. And Kirk Cousins is arguably a better QB than Baker Mayfield. With the way the Eagles front stopped the run against the Vikings and pressured Cousins, I am confident they will do the same to Mayfield and Rachaad White.

The thing I’m looking for is the Eagles passing attack. It has been average, at best. I know DeVonta Smith did well last Thursday, but Hurts has been missing some open receivers. The Eagles need to involve AJ Brown and Dallas Goedert more. Again, that could be because of the short week they had in Week 2, but it was also an issue against the Patriots. 

Will the passing attack be better in Tampa Bay?

Probably! Hurts does whatever it takes to be better. You can bet he was working hard with his receivers during this long break. Hurts and the Eagles will be ready. 

One last thing— It’ll be interesting to see how the running game is. Coming off a great performance against the Vikings, I want to see that success again, especially with D’Andre Swift. But, back to the passing game, you need both to have a successful, balanced offense. Until I see that, I cannot say with confidence the offense will click on all cylinders. But I do think the Eagles will still improve to 3-0 .Eagles 31, Buccaneers 20