2. Stopping the running game
Tampa Bay boasts the NFL’s top rushing defense and they showed that off against Green Bay earlier in the season, holding Aaron Jones to 15 rushing yards on 10 attempts. They are stout upfront on the defensive line and have the talent to make life difficult for the Packers’ great offensive line.
The Buccaneers might also be getting one of the best run-stoppers in the league back in Vita Vea. Vea was activated from injured reserve this week, will practice Wednesday, and may have an opportunity to play on Sunday.
If Tampa Bay can take away the run as they did in their Week 6 matchup, it will force Rodgers and the Packers to become one-dimensional. That may not seem like a horrible idea for the presumptive league MVP, but Green Bay relies heavily on play-action to open up the passing game. If that’s not a threat, life will become much more difficult for Green Bay’s offense.