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Home Sweet Home**
Not just a "Motley Crue" song from the 80's, but appropriate for the Bucs this week as the see Raymond James Stadium for the first time since…. September 14th! There will be two immediate advantages: the October Florida heat and LOUD environment. On the first point, with temperatures expected in the low 90's and some humidity, it will be a warm one. With the Ravens in dark jerseys, that should mean the advantage goes to the Buccaneers. Of course, how play is dictated, how long the Ravens D is on the field and whether the Bucs are winning/pounding the run game, etc. are all factors in this too. As for noise? Tampa Bay has endured two domes and the Terrible Towels since they last got to play in front of the rowdy Buc fans. Time to use it to the home team's advantage starting early and VOCALLY!Don't let Steve Smith, Sr. make big plays
We have seen him too many times in Carolina Blue go for big gains and huge statistical days against the Bucs, and Smith will be highly motivated again this week. The Bucs will likely use Alterraun Verner on him most of the time, but whether it's Verner or coverage from safeties like Mark Barron and Major Wright in a double team, you can't let Smith, Sr. go off with a big day. They must do their best to keep him in front of them at all times, "POP" him after catches when they can and most importantly, if he does catch it, wrap him up. Smith loves to get big yardage after the catch and it will be key to prevent him from doing so.
And finally,Continue to produce touchdowns on offense
Going back to both the Pittsburgh and New Orleans games, I have been tremendously impressed with the offense's ability to put 7 on the board, repeatedly. They had 3 consecutive touchdown drives last week in the Superdome. Quarterback Mike Glennon has shown composure and decisive throws, while Louis Murphy and Austin Sefarian-Jenkins have been key compliments to Vincent Jackson the last two games, as well. The bottom line is that settling for field goals can and likely will cost you. So keep finishing these drives with touchdowns and the Bucs will have gone a long way towards beating Baltimore.
Steve Smith is coming to town again, this time as a Raven, but he may have a hard time putting up his usual strong numbers against the Bucs if Alterraun Verner is at the top of his game.
QB Mike Glennon vs. DT Haloti NgataIt is a natural matchup to have a QB go up against a strong pass-rushing lineman. It is also natural to pair them with the defense's interception leader. It's not often that the two are one in the same, but that is the case for Ngata. Glennon must evade the pressure up the middle from the big man who has four QB pressures, three passes defensed and two interceptions.
RB Doug Martin vs. LB C.J. MosleyMosley leads the Ravens defense with 49 tackles. Martin is still looking for his 2014 breakout game, having posted 95 yards and one TD on 28 carries through the last two games. He'll have to fight through the Ravens' run defense that is allowing just 3.4 yards per carry and 89.4 rushing yards per game this year.
CB Alterraun Verner vs. WR Steve SmithThe Bucs have faced Baltimore just four times. They've faced Steve Smith 22 times. He has 1,404 yards, second most of any single player vs. the Bucs. In his 14th NFL season, Smith is on pace for his second-best year in receptions, yards and TDs. Pro Football Focus ranks Alterraun Verner as their fourth- highest CB. He will likely lead the charge in limiting Smith's production today.
WR Vincent Jackson vs. CB Jimmy SmithJackson's 144-yard performance last week was his 10th 100 -yard game since becoming a Buc in 2012, tied for seventh-most in the NFL in that time span. With eight grabs last week, he averaged 18 yards per catch, much more on pace with his career average of 17.2. The Ravens are allowing 269.2 passing yards per game this year, but have had just one receiver go for 100 yards through five games.
DE Michael Johnson vs. RB Justin ForsettThe Ravens' three-headed rushing attack is led by the speedy Forsett, who has the second highest yards-per-carry figure among RBs with 10 or more rushing attempts per game. He has also hauled in 23 receptions, fourth among RBs. Johnson must set an edge and not allow Forsett to get outside of him for big gains when the ball is in his hands.
DT Gerald McCoy vs. C Jeremy ZuttahDespite missing two games, McCoy is the highest graded tackle by Pro Football Focus with two sacks, five QB hits, eight hurries and seven tackles for loss. He will likely face his fair share of double-teams that feature former Buccaneers center Jeremy Zuttah.
