Generate pressure without relying on the blitz
The Bucs have relied heavily on Bowles manufacturing pressure through blitzes in recent seasons, but doing that consistently against Burrow can be dangerous. Sending extra defenders leaves fewer players in coverage against Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and Burrow can quickly identify the advantage. That's why Tampa Bay invested so heavily in its defensive front after a disappointing 37-sack season in 2025. First-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. joins Yaya Diaby, Al-Quadin Muhammad and David Walker in a revamped group that needs to prove it can create pressure with four rushers. If the Bucs can collapse the pocket without sacrificing bodies in coverage, Bowles will have more flexibility with his play calling.
Limit Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
Chase and Higgins give Cincinnati two receivers
capable of taking over a game, which puts plenty of responsibility on Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish, and the rest of a relatively young Bucs cornerback room. Tampa Bay can't afford to consistently give up explosive plays downfield. That could mean keeping Antoine Winfield Jr. over the top more often and forcing Cincinnati to string together longer drives rather than allowing Burrow to connect on quick scoring plays.
Win on third down
Getting Cincinnati into third down won't mean much if Tampa Bay can't get off the field. That was an issue at different points last season, and Burrow is one of the quarterbacks who can make a defense pay when given extra opportunities. The Bucs need to win early downs, create third-and-long situations, and then finish the job. This is also where Tampa Bay's improved pass rush could make its biggest impact. Third and long gives Bain, Diaby and the rest of the front an opportunity to hunt. While Burrow has said he looks forward to using his legs more now that he's healthy, Tampa would welcome that challenge.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Three keys for the Bucs defense vs Bengals
