The Seahawks host the Buccaneers Sunday in an NFC showdown between teams with matching 3-1 record. The Seahawks are looking to build off a three-game winning streak, while the Bucs are trying to get back on track after a close loss to the Eagles in Week 4. To help you get ready for this week's game, we asked Buccaneers.com writer/reporter Brianna Dix six questions about this week's opponent.
The Bucs have had some pretty significant players miss games due to injury this year but are still 3-1 with the only defeat coming by a one-score margin to the defending champs. What has been the key to keeping things rolling despite some key absences, and who needs to step up this week on that front?
Dix: The key has been various players stepping up to carry the load, notably Baker Mayfield to close out games and Todd Bowles' defense putting the clamps on opposing offenses after slow starts and forcing them to become one-dimensional, primarily passing the football. With Bucky Irving out for weekend's game, along with corners Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison, the Bucs will rely heavily on running back Rachaad White, corners Zyon McCollum and third-round pick Jacob Parrish, along with Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard and Chris Godwin Jr. Godwin Jr. is still working his way back into the mix, but when he finds synergy with Mayfield, that pairing is one of the most frightening for defenses around the NFL.