Bruce I think you gave honest report.

For me, despite going 1-2, win or loss are not important, but matters how Packers will play vs very good opponent. If they lose but keep game close that may tell us a lot of the team.

My hope is that young receivers, Romeo Doubs and Toure (if Packers will use him) might have very good game and bring necessary spark to the offense. That should open possibilities for Bobby and for Aaron Jones (as receiver) and for our RB duo on the ground.

I believe that short passing to move the ball and hard running will be the key for the success.

I believe this team, because (or despite) of youth at receivers has little advantage, as opponents do not have enough tape of them.

Protect the ball.

Here are my thoughts:

Initially, this was the one game I thought would be a sure-fire loss for the Packers. However, with all of the Bucs’ injuries at OL and WR, I think the Packers definitely have a chance to win here. That being said, if they don’t I wouldn’t be too disappointed. Also, D-Bak is set to play. What would you think of having D-Bak and Yosh as the tackles and moving Jenkins to RG?

What will make or break the Packers in this game, I think, will be the play of the front 7. This is where the biggest mis-match is in this game, and the Packers need to exploit it. The Bucs are starting a backup center who’s never played before this season, a rookie backup LG, and a 3rd-string 2020 UDFA LT. Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, and Dean Lowry should be able to make life hard for Brady. Not having his top 3 WRs will give them more time, too.

As for the run defense, aside from two ridiculous drives where the Bears averaged 15+ yards per carry, it actually held up well. Fournette is also not at full health, so that should help. Pass D should be great against backup WRs

As for our offense, look for Doubs and Tonyan to have larger roles. Cobb is playing, while Watson is not (I hope the injuries don’t become a trend for him). D-Bak is also returning, which is great. I wonder how rusty he is? I don’t think we can expect a good game from Rodgers in Florida in September - it will be up to Jones and Dillon. Not having to deal with Hicks will help.

Bold Prediction: Both Rodgers and Brady throw an interception. Both sides are down WRs, and while Rodgers never plays well in Florida, Brady will have to deal with greater pressure from Preston Smith, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary and co. because his OL is so banged up. I think that neither QB will have a passer rating above 100.

Extra Bold Prediction: Preston Smith gets at least 2 more sacks. Going up against a 3rd string LT is an EXTREMELY favorable matchup for the guy who leads the league in pass-rush pressure rate by a mile. He also got 2 sacks last week and nearly got 2 sacks in week 1. He is going to disrupt the game and have another big day.

Final Prediction: Packers 7, Bucs 3. I think that the injuries on the OL and the play of key contributors like Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, and Kenny Clark and others across the entire D win us the day. It will be a defensive battle, but the Packers win because of the Bucs’ OL injuries and just how much they impact each aspect of their offense.

3 things today will make a big difference, Our passing game and how we use it, 2. The ball protection and how much defense can get to Brady and rattle him and 3rd like the article says will refs make some iffy calls to help Brady they usually do!

I don’t have a good feeling about this game. I think Brady will do more with his makeshift receivers than Rodgers will, despite our likely edge in raw talent. I think LaFleur takes the opportunity to make a clear statement of his true value, unfortunately.

I think we may actually come out and run it, but that we wont capitalize on it effectively because we won’t take risks and mostly avoid the speedy players and thus play to Tampa’s strengths.

Bakh returning “after he confirms he feels right” doesn’t help. If it’s debatable he’s ready, don’t. Tampa has a strong rush and it will use it. Rust in Bakh is particularly risky and it just makes it harder for Nijman if he has to come in mid game through injury or lack of stamina. A 90 degree game is an odd one to try out a guy who hasn’t played in two years.

Ultimately, I think we play cautiously and we thus end up doing everything that we shouldn’t against Bowles defenses—exactly what we’ve tried each time before with the exception of more runs but without the passing game to exploit that.

I hope I’m wrong, that Bakh comes through well and healthy, that Jones and Dillon can repeat last week, doing it for us essentially, that Doubs is targeted early and often and not just near the line of scrimmage and that Toure gets opportunities.

I fear we overplay Cobb, try to dink and dunk and end up forcing it while they load the short zones , knowing we aren’t going deep and aren’t threatening them with speed deeper or after the catch. A lone deep heave or two likely isn’t enough if everything else is short. We don’t have a receiver the league knows can get behind them this week to do some of the work beforehand. That would be classic LaFleur against Bowles.

This is a gilt edged opportunity to see if LaFleur has learned anything or will just trot out the oft failed (badly) tactics and blame it on injuries, rather than using them as an excuse to try something different and positive. If he does indeed go the low risk route we not only waste a chance to get some growth for Doubs and Toure and lose. It will also be convincing evidence that LaFleur is not up to the job.

This is a game that we should go into with a like MM did with Matt Flynn when Flynn set the passing record. If we try and don’t succeed, our future get experience and we might pull a rabbit out of the hat and take some pressure off our O line and keep Love out of the game, at least till garbage time.

I detest losing to Brady. I detest losing by repeating past mistakes and especially when that includes not consistently trying options that could make a difference. I truly hope LaFleur proves me wrong. I will be very sour if right and elated to be proved full of it if I am doing him a disservice. To me this is a rubicon game for LaFleur as a coach. It’s not the result, but the way we obtain it, that will speak loudly to his merit.

With the sublime speed on Tampa's front 7, ML must be the Jedi Master calling "illusion of complexity" mind game plays with a steady diet of motion, play action, screens and quick passes. Move the chains, get first downs, score, melt the clock, and keep the D off the hot field.

On D, while Barry is seemingly very happy rushing 4, no blitzing...this may be the game he unleashes hell on Brady, given his receiver problems. Just a guess...I expect Walker on the blitz today. Lots of 3 and outs please.

STs..."still gaining acceptance".

lol for Cole Beasley to have a career day (eye roll).

Last time we had major WR injuries Winfree came up with a solid game vs Cards( 4 catches). He is familiar with the offense and QB so I look for him to repeat that today.

Teams that are very physical, as the Bucs are, always give us fits. Add being on the road and the heat, not looking for a win but if Bak&Jenkins both play and stay healthy that is a long term win.