The Tampa Bay Buccaneers understand what it’s like to travel with extra motivation to defeat a team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season.
This is one reason they believe the Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) will come to Raymond James Stadium on Sunday ready to play with urgency, similar to how the Bucs approached their emotional rematch against the Lions in Week 2.
Tampa Bay ended Philadelphia’s season for the second time in three years last January. A week later, the Lions defeated the Bucs to move on to the NFC championship game.
“It’s kind of similar to the Lions in a way. They know us and we know them, personnel-wise and scheme-wise,” said Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum about the Eagles, who have faced Tampa Bay—though not in their division—four times in the last three seasons.
“They have a new offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator. At the same time, we know their playmakers.
We played against them,” added McCollum, whose twin brother, Tristin, plays safety for Philadelphia. “It’s a little bit more comfortable when you know your opponent like that.”
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has a 1-3 record against Tampa Bay, with his only win coming in Week 3 of last season on the road.
Tom Brady defeated Hurts in both the regular season and playoffs in 2021, and a 32-9 playoff loss to Baker Mayfield marked a confusing end to a 2023 season where Philadelphia lost six of seven games after starting 10-1.
“It’s been different every time we’ve played them. Different time of the year. Different moment. Different offense. Different approach—philosophy, if you will,” Hurts said.
