Week 9 of the NFL season features a blockbuster: a prime matchup between two giants. Back-to-back champions Kansas City Chiefs will defend their undefeated 7-0 streak against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who, at 4-4, will try to fight their way back to the top of their division with a win. Odds and speculations have been thrown about aplenty.
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Jon Gruden’s well-analyzed verdict is in as well. The former head coach of Tampa Bay thinks the Buccaneers would succumb to the Chiefs’ formidable squad.
Gruden broke down the teams’ defense and offense play, analysing their rosters. He highlighted their pros and cons too, predicting that Patrick Mahomes‘ crew will take home the victory on Monday.
“Well, my pick this week — it’s tough,” said Gruden on his YouTube channel. “Those doggone Chiefs, they’re really good, and I think they’re going to really arrive offensively.”
Gruden also predicted the final score to be Kansas City 30, Tampa Bay 17. Elaborating on the reasons behind his pick, the former coach praised Steve Spagnuolo’s defense as “one of the best.”
The defense of the Buccaneers, he observed, has been “really struggling.” He mentioned how they’ve been missing critical tackles in the past few games.
On the other hand, the former coach had a more favorable view of Tampa Bay’s offense. Lauding the team’s stellar running game, Gruden said the receiving corps needs to step up to support the O-line against the Chiefs. Only that could change the outcome of the matchup.
“The best thing Tampa Bay does is run with the ball after they catch it. They’re one of the top teams in the league doing that, but it’s this group of four or five receivers that’s got to step up and make themselves known. You got to take advantage of these opportunities,” explained Gruden.
He also spoke about the Chiefs quarterback’s high number of interceptions this season.
Gruden has faith in Mahomes
Talking about the Chiefs’ offense, the former Philadelphia Eagles OC predicted that Monday night might see more of the newest member of the Kansas crew, WR DeAndre Hopkins, recreating his former glory. He noted that Travis Kelce has also returned to form in the past few weeks and could play a pivotal role against Tampa Bay.
However, Mahomes’ interceptions are a big problem that can’t be ignored, added Gruden.
The two-time MVP hasn’t been his dominating self this season, logging more interceptions than touchdowns so far. Mahomes has amassed eight touchdowns for 1,651 yards, against an alarming nine interceptions.
This statistic has been the talk of the league. However, Gruden believes that Mahomes finds himself in this predicament due to the weakness of the receiver room he has had. This has been an ongoing issue ever since Tyreek Hill left for Miami. Moreover, JuJu Smith and Rashee Rice’s injuries have also hindered Patrick’s progress.
This Monday, Mahomes will finally bring his A game. Or at least, that’s what Gruden feels.
“They are 7-0. He’s still is the elite, premiere Pat Mahomes. And I believe, this week, it’s a coming out party for Pat Mahomes and Chiefs pass offense.”
While the Buccaneers have been winning divisional titles consecutively for the past three years, the Chiefs have lifted the Lombardi Trophy twice. Tampa Bay, however, holds a 4-1 record against the defending champs in the last five matchups. The history, the roster dynamics, and the stars at play make it a mouthwatering prospect.
