‘The Volume of Pressure’
No matter the opposition quarterback, Tampa HC/DC Todd Bowles likes to bring extra rushers early and often.
“I think that’s just their makeup,” Tyrod Taylor said. “I think you have to go into that game expecting pressure because that’s just the DNA of their team. We have already started to put a plan together for that, and it’s up to us to go out there and execute it on Sunday.”
OC Tanner Engstrand added: “It’s a lot more concentrated. There is just more of it and he does a great job of looking at what your protection plan is and then how can he use his blitz package to attempt to attack your protection plan. Really, it’s the volume of pressure and then how he tries to deploy that to attack your protection.”
On the other side of the ball, the Jets defensive front will face a Buccaneers O-line that hasn’t had the services of All-Pro LT Tristan Wirfs (knee), and lost both RT Luke Goedeke and RG Cody Mauch to injuries in Tampa’s Monday night win over the Texans. While the Jets may be without edge Jermaine Johnson (ankle), they’ll try to set the tone with a group that features edge Will McDonald IV plus a diverse and talented interior group that includes Quinnen Williams, Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs.
“We got to go out there and execute and the weather is not going to be an issue for us,” said defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. “We do love the rotation upfront. Jowon has been a major plus for us, as well as Harrison. So, those guys continue to play consistently well up front, being able to give Q ([Quinnen Williams]) that ability not always to get double-teamed. So, I like those guys and what they’re doing.”
While the Bucs continue to shuffle their OL pieces, QB Baker Mayfield has played mistake-free ball with 5 TDs and 0 INTs and will enter the home opener after orchestrating two game-winning drives, in Atlanta and in Houston.
“He presents a lot of problems,” said Sauce Gardner, who will likely be asked to cover future Hall of Famer Mike Evans. “He’s very decisive, he trusts his receivers, and I was watching the game ([Tampa’s 20-19 win over the Texans]) — he can do it with his legs too. He’s like a savvy quarterback, savvy player for sure. And he’s more athletic than I think people give him credit for.”