The 2020 NFL season is now in the history books, but it is never too early to look towards next season.
What a dominant performance by Bruce Arians and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was business per usual for Tom Brady who picked up yet another Super Bowl MVP trophy. His connection with Gronkowski in this game had us thinking we were in 2011 rather than 2021.
This Buccaneers’ defense dominated the most high powered offense we have seen over the past 3 seasons in KC. Credit to Todd Bowles for a gameplan that had the Chiefs looking lost all night long.
Shaq Barrett, JPP, Devin White, and Carlton Davis all dominated their matchups and for my money put out the most impressive defensive performance since the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win back in 2014.
Now with that win, the Bucs will get to raise their banners at home on the first Thursday night of the 2021 season. Their opponents have already been announced (mostly) so let’s take a look at the best options to kick off the 2021 season against Brady and the Bucs.
Colts?
We have still yet to see if the NFL will add the 17th game for the 2021 season. If they do it is scheduled to be a inter-conference game against a team that finished in the same divisional position. If the NFL decides to go this way the Colts and Bucs would match up as the 2nd place teams from the AFC and NFC South. This game would be interesting, but Indy still needs to fill out their QB situation before they gain any traction to open the season against the champs.
8. Giants
Now there were times in which Tom Brady vs the Giants led to classic games and huge ratings. And while the ratings will still probably be great for this game, the Giants are not in the weight class of the Tampa Bay Bucs just yet. The juice from the Brady/Giants Super Bowl matchups has dried out. But this will be a very interesting game with two good defenses matching up.
7. Panthers
The Panthers are a bit more intriguing than people may think. Their offense was off to a hot start in 2020 with Teddy Bridgewater and a great receiving trio. They eventually fizzled out and were swept by the Bucs. But, they do seem as if they are a QB away from being a legit contender in the NFC South. Don’t see them making it to prime time, but watch out for Carolina going into the 2021 offseason.
6. Dolphins
The Dolphins are a playoff team with great young talent and a head coach who is familiar with Tom Brady. I do love the Tua/Brady matchup in addition to the in state showdown. This game will be interesting, as Brady matches up a former AFC East rival. But unless Miami makes huge offseason moves (Deshaun Watson?) I can’t see the Dolphins being scheduled in this primetime slot.
5. Bears
Some may have forgot, but the Bears were one of the 4 teams to pick up a win over Tampa Bay in 2020. The Thursday night matchup that went down to the wire had to be one of the highlights of Chicago’s season that ended in a rough wild card loss in New Orleans.
What Chicago does with their QB situation will determine whether they move up on this list as we get closer to the season. Is Carson Wentz coming to Chicago? How about Justin Fields? Whoever they get it will be unlikely they are watching Tampa raise their banners as there are far more interesting matchups as we get down the list.
4. Falcons
It had to be demoralizing for the Falcons to watch Tom Brady take over their division in just one season. The Falcons had two cracks at the Bucs in Weeks 15 and 17, but were not able to pull off an upset. New head coach Arthur Smith looks to bring Atlanta back to their 2016-17 style of production. But, this team is still coming off a 4-12 season in which they struggled to close out games once again.
Watching a game with Julio Jones, Mike Evans, Calvin Ridley, and Chris Godwin (maybe?) will provide many yards and fireworks. Just think there are more complete teams that we still have yet to see.
3. Saints
This does seem like a low spot for a division rival who was just beaten by the Bucs at home in the playoffs. Too much uncertainty with the QB position and the salary cap is why they are this low. Sheldon Rankins, PJ Williams, Marcus Williams, and Trey Hendrickson are all scheduled to be free agents. If they lose a bulk of those guys and have to cut more to get under the salary cap, the Saints may struggle to get back into the postseason.
Regardless, there is still a talented young core with a great head coach in Sean Payton. It does seem as if the Saints have a good chance to open the season in Tampa. The story and backbone behind this game is there, but would the quality be there? We will have to wait and see what both teams do in free agency.
2. Cowboys
What a task it would be for Dak Prescott to have his first game back be against this Bucs defense that just dominated the best offense in the game. But you have to figure Dallas is going to be either in this game, the 4:25 FOX game or on Sunday night to open the season. When you compare WR duo’s or trio’s, both of these teams are at the very top of the list. Still a long way to go, but this game can very well showcase Cooper, Lamb, and Gallup vs Evans, Godwin, and AB.
The Bucs seem to have a clear advantage on the defensive side of the ball, but according to Spotrac the Cowboys do have $27 mil in cap space. If that side of the ball can pick up some players (Sheldon Rankins and Justin Simmons can be great fits) they will achieve a good enough balance to match their offensive production. I do think the Cowboys are a fun option and could lead to a great game to open the season. But this final team is the most unique, and deserving option to kick off the season in Tampa.
1. Bills
What a run for Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane. Since they both arrived in 2017, the Bills are 40-29. They have also had a top 3 unit (total yards) in either offense or defense for the past three seasons. 2020 was the offense’s time to step up and Josh Allen had a MVP caliber season alongside Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, and a really good offensive line.
The Bills are the only team on this list that were one of the final four teams with the Bucs. Starting the 2021 season off with a game that was good enough to be a Super Bowl is in the best interest for fans. It is an exciting way to see how this great Bucs team is matched up with another elite caliber team while raising their banners.
Who do you think the Bucs should open the season against? Let me know on Twitter @james_costanz
