Eagles Could Catch a Break Against Buccaneers in Week 4
The Philadelphia Eagles have struggled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in recent years. After suffering an embarrassing 33-16 loss to the Buccaneers last season, the Eagles will have to travel to Tampa Bay in Week 4 once again in 2025. Yet Philadelphia could catch a big break this time around.
According to multiple reports, Buccaneers All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs recently underwent surgery on his right knee. Wirfs is expected to be placed on the PUP list, which would rule him out for at least the first four weeks of the regular season.
Therefore, Tampa Bay would be without one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL and the player in charge of protecting Baker Mayfield’s blindside. Although it’s worth mentioning that the Eagles faced a similar disadvantage in their matchup against the Buccaneers last season.
The Eagles were missing three key starters against the Buccaneers last season. Lane Johnson, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were out for Philadelphia’s matchup in Tampa Bay. While all three players are key contributors for the Eagles’ offense, Johnson’s absence was especially notable against the Buccaneers.
The five-time All-Pro right tackle was replaced by Fred Johnson, who struggled mightily in Tampa Bay. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson allowed 11 total pressures, including two sacks. It was a rough day for Philadelphia’s offense as they struggled to find any sort of rhythm.
Now the roles will likely be reversed in Week 4 of the upcoming regular season, as Tampa Bay could be forced to play the Eagles without Wirfs. The 26-year-old All-Pro left tackle has shutout Philadelphia’s pass rushers in recent years.
In Tampa Bay’s last three games against the Eagles, Wirfs has played 127 total pass blocking snaps. He hasn’t allowed a single pressure against Philadelphia in those three games, according to Pro Football Focus.
In five career games against the Eagles, Wirfs has allowed just two total pressures and one sack. It’s clear that he is one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL and now the Buccaneers will likely be forced to start the regular season without him.
Tampa Bay will likely rely on veteran Charlie Heck to replace Wirfs, who has 23 career starts. Heck has allowed 66 total pressures and nine sacks in 913 career pass blocking snaps. Now he will be put to the test against Philadelphia’s young edge rusher group in Week 4.
Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt hit their stride for the Eagles in the postseason and will certainly be looking to carry that momentum into 2025. Smith recorded 19 total pressures and four sacks during Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run. While Hunt recorded nine total pressures and two sacks as well.
While many are worried about Philadelphia’s young group of edge rushers, I’m excited to see what they will do in 2025. Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche and Antwaun Powell-Ryland have also been added to the mix this offseason.
After back-to-back losses against the Buccaneers, Philadelphia is certainly looking for revenge. Following the potential loss of Wirfs, it’s looking like Week 4 could provide a huge opportunity for the Eagles to get a win in Tampa Bay and see what the young edge rushing group is truly made of.