3 things Packers must do to bounce back vs. Buccaneers in Week 15
By Joe Tuman
Get to the quarterback
Stopping Tampa Bay's aerial attack won't be an easy task for Joe Barry's secondary—especially if Jaire Alexander is once again inactive.
The duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin has continued to be a productive pairing with Mayfield under center, helping keep the Buccaneers in the playoff conversation even while other areas of the roster have regressed.
Because the green and gold can't count on its defensive backs, the pressure will be on the pass rush to make Mayfield uncomfortable.
That begins with Rashan Gary, who has already taken over several contests this season. After recording 4.5 sacks across three games, Gary was unable to record any against the Giants last time out.
Therefore, the heart of the Packers' defense should be as hungry as ever in Week 15. He'll have his work cut out for him against an elite player in Tristan Wirfs, but Gary is also one of the best at his position. It's hard to imagine he goes quiet for a second-straight week.
Beyond him, Preston Smith and Kingsley Enagbare have also found ways to impact games off the edge this season. Yet, the most crucial matchup may come in the trenches.
Because the interior of Tampa Bay's offensive line is its weakness, the tandem of Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt should factor into Sunday's matchup. Wyatt's improvement has finally given Clark a running mate along the line of scrimmage, so creating extra pressure via the defensive line could be the boost Green Bay needs to win this one.