Buccaneers-Eagles Preview: Because We Have To

The title of this article may seem a little strange. It's because we honestly do not have a choice when it comes to giving a preview of the Week 5 showdown between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles.

We've made that commitment to you, our beloved reader, that we will give you a preview of the Bucs' next opponent, even if it proves to be a game so lopsided that the Bucs probably shouldn't even bother showing up.

Raheem's team will show and the game (barring any unforeseen circumstances) will be played. Thus, we need to do our part and give you the hard hitting analysis that keeps you coming back.

Series: 7-7 (including playoffs). Tampa Bay has won the last three meetings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Passing Attack against Philadelphia Eagles Pass Defense

Josh Johnson makes his second start of his NFL career against the Eagles, the No. 3-ranked defense in the NFL (number two against the pass). Welcome to the NFL, kid.

Under Johnson, the Bucs offense lacked the deep ball, bringing back memories of the immortal Bruce Gradkowski, but that might bold well for the Bucs.

The last time Tampa Bay and Philadelphia met, Gradkowski was the quarterback and led the Bucs to a game-winning drive.

Still, if Johnson can't get the ball downfield, the Bucs have no chance to establish a running game, as the Eagles will begin to bring that eighth and ninth man in the box to shut down the run.

Advantage: Philadelphia

Tampa Bay Running Attack vs. Philadelpia Eagles Run Defense

Without Pro Bowl caliber center Jeff Faine, establishing the run has been a challenge for the Buccaneers. With a young quarterback, getting the running game established is crucial for the Bucs to have a chance to win.

The good news for the Bucs is that if their is a chink in the Eagles top five defensive armour its the run defense (giving up 106.5 yards per game). Derrick Ward will also be back for the Bucs to help bolster the running game.

Advantage: Philadelphia

Philadelphia Eagles Passing Game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pass Defense

Coming off the bye week, the Eagles have had the opportunity to get healthy. Lucky for the Bucs, huh?

The walking wounded included Pro Bowl QB Donovan McNabb, who will be back at the helm with something to prove. Young Kevin Kolb filled in well for McNabb and Donovan's going to want to reestablish himself as the Eagles' top guy.

DeSean Jackson has been a big-time weapon in the passing game for the Eagles and we all know how the Bucs have struggled with the big play against their defense.

The Bucs will need to put a lot of pressure on McNabb and force him into turnovers. Ronde Barber has been McNabb's nemesis for some time now. The Bucs will need Barber to make some big plays against him again.

The Bucs secondary gets a boost with the return of hard-hitting safety Tanard Jackson.

The passing game has helped Philadelphia have the second ranked scoring offense, averaging 31.3 points per game.

Advantage: Philadelphia

Philadelphia Eagles Running Game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Run Defense

With LeSean McCoy and Brian Westbrook, the Philadelphia Eagles have a tandem of backs that are as dangerous in the passing game as they are running the football.

That's not saying these guys aren't dangerous. Both are averaging over four yards a carry and have the speed to break one at any time.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay may have gotten a little better in their run defense, doing well in containing Clinton Portis last week against the Redskins.

The Eagles really don't emphasize their running game so the Bucs may be able to do well again.

Beware of Michael Vick in the wildcat formation.

Advantage: Push

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Special Teams vs. Philadelphia Eagles Special Teams

Tampa Bay has the advantage in coverage and return yardage but the biggest difference in the special teams units is the kicking game.

Philadelphia has the automatic David Akers while Tampa Bay has Shane Andrus playing in his first NFL game as a team's primary kicker.

Sav Rocca and Dirk Johnson are about a push as punters.

Advantage: Push

Intangibles

Andy Reid is 10-0 after a bye week.

The Bucs are 4-5 in Philadelphia, including two straight wins.

Both teams do a good job with turnovers, Philadelphia is a +2 while Tampa Bay is a +1.

Advantage: Philadelphia

Coaching

Andy Reid is in his 11th season as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Reid is going after his 100th victory as a head coach. He is 99-63-1.

Raheem Morris is in his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is still seeking his first victory as an NFL Head Coach at 0-3.

Advantage: Philadelphia

Prediction: We thought the match up between the Bucs and Giants was one-sided, but that's nothing compared to the disadvantage in match ups facing the Buccaneers in Philadelphia.

If the Bucs remain in the ballgame going into the fourth quarter, it's a victory. That's not to say we think the Bucs win the game if they're in the fourth quarter, it means we think it's a heck of a statement for the improvement of the Bucs if they're still in the ballgame.

A victory in Philadelphia could very well change the fortunes of Raheem Morris and the direction of the franchise.

Unfortunately, the chances of the Buccaneers pulling off the upset are slim and none and slim just left to visit the Rocky statue.

Final Score: Philadelphia 35, Tampa Bay 3