Green Bay Packers 2020 opponent preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Green Bay Packers are set for an interesting matchup in Week 6.
Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady have only started in two head-to-head matchups as they played in different conferences.
But with Brady signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the two all-world quarterbacks will meet again in 2020 with the Green Bay Packers visiting Raymond James Stadium in Week 6.
Let’s take a look at how the Bucs have potentially put themselves in playoff contention this offseason.
Last season
Led by head coach Bruce Arians, the Buccaneers were a fun team to watch in 2019, but they were inconsistent. Their offense ranked third in the NFL for total yards and fourth in points per game. No team defended the run as well as the Bucs, but they were third-worst against the pass.
Jameis Winston threw for over 5,000 yards and 33 touchdowns but also had 30 interceptions. Wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans both had over 1,000 yards on the year, but the Bucs ranked in the bottom-10 for rushing offense.
As a result, Tampa Bay was an inconsistent team, finishing the season 7-9 and in third place of the NFC South.
When is the game?
This game comes immediately after the Packers’ bye, taking place in Week 6. It kicks off at 3:25 p.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Offseason additions
The Bucs have gone all-in for 2020. They made the blockbuster signing of Tom Brady in free agency, then traded for his favorite target Rob Gronkowski, who comes out of retirement to play with Brady in Tampa Bay.
They also loaded up with offensive talent in the draft, selected tackle Tristan Wirfs with the 13th overall pick, then running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn in the third round and wide receiver Tyler Johnson in the fifth.
Last meeting with Packers
December 3, 2017: Packers won 26-20 after overtime at Lambeau Field
Player to watch
Tom Brady: It has to be Brady.
The six-time Super Bowl winner and four-time Super Bowl MVP, a three-time league MVP, 14-time Pro Bowler, and five-time All-Pro has done it all. But all of his success has come with the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick.
At 42 years old, is Brady still an elite quarterback? He will have no shortage of offensive firepower surrounding him, and a great coach, in Tampa Bay.
It will be strange seeing Brady in the red Bucs uniforms. Can he deliver one more All-Pro season and lead the Buccaneers into the playoffs for the first time since 2007?
If Brady is at his best, this could be a fun game played between two strong offenses and Hall-of-Fame quarterbacks.