2022 Packers Week Three Game Preview: Green Bay Heads To Tampa Bay
The Green Bay Packers have struggled every time they play the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. It’ll be a hot one when these two teams face off Sunday afternoon for America’s game of the week.
For the third straight year (including playoffs), the Green Bay Packers face off against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Green Bay (1-1) hopes to get above .500 for the first time this season while Tampa Bay (2-0) is looking to stay undefeated. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t had much fun against the Buccaneers in his career as he is 1-4 against them and he has thrown two of his three pick-sixes versus Tampa Bay.
Quarterback Matchup: Aaron Rodgers Versus Tom Brady
Two Hall of Famers meet up once again as the 45-year-old Brady, who retired and un-retired this past offseason, faces off against Rodgers, who won his fourth MVP last season over Brady. Both quarterbacks have two touchdown passes and one interception as two of the best passers last season are off to slow starts. Brady has been known for getting things done in the offense while his defense has come up clutch many times including last week when they picked off Jameis Winston three times. Now, without stars Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Brady will have a shaky receiving room, similar to the Packers corps as both teams have been hit with offensive injuries early in the season.
Players To Watch: Christian Watson (GB) And Devin White (TB)
These players are true factors this week. Watson should look to get more targets as he climbs higher in the depth chart after Sammy Watkins was put on IR and Randall Cobb is questionable. Meanwhile, Devin White has been mainly successful against the Packers in years past and it’ll be interesting to see how the defense attacks and more importantly how Green Bay’s offensive line holds. In all four losses combined under Rodgers, the Bucs have sacked him 13 times.
Matchup To Watch: Cole Beasley (TB) Versus Rasul Douglas (GB)
This week’s game doesn’t have many great matchups. With many questionable players, it is mostly unknown who will guard who. I chose Cole Beasley because he is making his season debut in a new uniform. The former Buffalo Bills wide receiver signed with the Buccaneers this week and was just activated from the practice squad. I project him to be WR3 behind Russell Gage and Scotty Miller, although Julio Jones could play and push him down the chart.
Last Time Around: Tampa Bay 31, Green Bay 26 (January 24, 2021)
The last time these two met was in the NFC Championship Game. This was mostly remembered for former cornerback Kevin King allowing a Hail Mary touchdown on the last play of the half as well as Matt LaFleur settling for the field goal instead of going for it on fourth and goal. Both teams weren’t very penalized until the Buccaneers’ last drive as a controversial holding call sealed the victory for the Buccaneers.
America’s Pick Of The Week: Tampa Bay Over Green Bay
According to Bing’s poll, 52% of voters choose the Buccaneers to win. This is a lot closer than I thought it would be.
Official Game Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34, Green Bay Packers 24
My first Packers loss prediction. Earlier this year, I said that the Buccaneers game was going to be the toughest game on the Packers’ schedule. I still stand by it as Green Bay always has a hard time against the Buccaneers’ defense. With questions in the receiver room and injuries all around, I see it being a rough day for the Packers. The last time we played them in the regular season, I felt confident as we were 4-0 and had the best offense up to that point. Hopefully, I’m wrong, and Go Pack Go!
Green Bay Packers take on Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, September 25, 2022, at 4:25 pm on FOX.
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