Get a full breakdown of the Pittsburgh Steelers week three opponent as the team visits the red-hot Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What: Steelers (0-1-1) at Buccaneers (2-0)
When: Monday, September 24th, 8:15 PM ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Network: ESPN
Broadcast Team: Joe Tessitore, Jason Witten, Booger McFarland and Lisa Salters
Last Meeting: Buccaneers 27, Steelers 24 on 9/28/14
It will be nearly four years to the day since the last meeting between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and much has changed. The last match-up saw the win-less Bucs raid Heinz Field and upset the Steelers thanks in part to a Vincent Jackson touchdown thrown by Mike Glennon with only seconds to spare. That was one of two wins for Tampa that year, landing them the number one overall pick the following year.
Since 2014, the Buccaneers best record lands at 9-7 during their 2016 campaign. The Steelers worst record during that time span? 10-6 during the 2015 season. It’s not a stretch by any means to say Pittsburgh has seen brighter days than Tampa Bay since their last meeting.
Yet it’s 2018, and the script has flipped. The Buccaneers sit at 2-0 while the Steelers have yet to win themselves a football game, effectively seeing themselves become one of the biggest circus-acts the league and Roger Goodell could ever hope for.
The players know it, too.
AB is fired up over the Steelers' winless start. pic.twitter.com/xGqbL4L6Hx
— ESPN (@espn) September 20, 2018
There’s a lot riding on the line for this Steelers team when Monday night rolls around. Does this have the potential to be a season-defining game so early in the season? Absolutely. The regular season is now in full swing, and now is time to right the ship before it’s too late.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably someone who bleeds black and gold. You know the team like you know the back of your hand, but what about the opponent? Don’t have the time to research and talk to experts from the other side of things? No worries, that’s what I’m here for. Every week I break-down the Steelers opponent that week, and interview somebody to gain insight from their perspective.
So sit back, try to relax until Monday, and enjoy this read in preparation for prime-time football.