Jacob Parrish vs. Ja'Marr Chase
Jacob Parrish's move from primarily playing nickel as a rookie to taking on a larger role outside immediately comes with one of the toughest assignments a cornerback can get. Ja'Marr Chase remains the centerpiece of Cincinnati's passing attack and can hurt defenses at every level of the field. Tampa Bay isn't likely to leave Parrish alone against Chase for an entire afternoon, especially with Zyon McCollum also available on the opposite side, but Parrish should see his share of Chase.
Tristan Wirfs vs. Cincinnati's edge rushers
Keeping Baker Mayfield clean will be one of Tampa Bay's biggest priorities, and that starts with Tristan Wirfs. Cincinnati made significant changes to its defensive front during the offseason, giving the Bengals more options to move rushers around and create favorable
matchups. Wirfs remains the player Tampa Bay can trust most in pass protection, but Cincinnati will have opportunities to test the entire offensive line. How the Bucs handle pressure off the edge will be especially important in obvious passing situations. Mayfield can create outside the pocket, but Tampa Bay doesn't want its offense depending on him to escape pressure all afternoon.
Rueben Bain Jr. vs. Cincinnati's offensive tackles
Bain Jr is expected to immediately become an important part of a pass rush that desperately needed another difference maker. His first assignment comes against a Bengals offense led by Joe Burrow, making his ability to affect the pocket especially important. Bain's power was one of the biggest things that stood out throughout the preseason. Now the question is whether it carries over when the games count. If Bain can win his one-on-one opportunities off the edge or when kicked inside, Cincinnati may have to adjust its protection toward him. That could also create opportunities for Yaya Diaby and the rest of Tampa Bay's improved defensive front.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Three matchups to watch Bucs vs Bengals
