The Philadelphia Eagles haven't been able to solve the lingering problem of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in recent years.
How so?
The Buccaneers have won six of the last seven games against the Eagles over the last decade, including two blowout wins in the postseason.
Whether it's Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tom Brady, or Baker Mayfield at QB, the Eagles have struggled to figure out ways to stop the Bucs.
Their job may be easier in 2025.
While the Eagles are scheduled to take on the Buccaneers in Week 4 of the 2025 campaign, they will do so knowing that one of Tampa Bay's better players will not be likely on the field.
Tampa Bay All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs underwent arthroscopic surgery Tuesday and is expected to miss the first few weeks of the NFL season. While there's no guarantee that Wirfs will miss the Week 4 contest, knee surgeries are always challenging for offensive linemen to come back from.
His absence would be massively fortunate for the Eagles.
Philadelphia has generally been able to get consistent pressure on Tampa Bay's QBs, which is a game plan key. In the lone win against the Buccaneers, the Eagles sacked Mayfield twice and forced two turnovers in their Week 3 victory during the 2023 season.
If Wirfs is out? It’s even more of a key.
Wirfs has a relatively short injury history. But … His current serious knee issue will only hurt Tampa Bay's chances in 2025.
And it may finally give the Eagles a chance to end their curse against the Buccaneers.