By SCOTT
REYNOLDS
PewterReport.com
The Buccaneers and Seahawks square off in a game packed with playoff ramifications this Sunday at Tampa Bay. Both Seattle and the Bucs need wins to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Bucs are coming off a heartbreaking home loss to the Detroit Lions in overtime and the Seahawks lost at home to the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday.
The 8-6 Buccaneers are trying to fight their way into a wild card spot and need some help to get there. The Bucs need the New Orleans Saints or New York Giants to lose in order to get Tampa Bay back into playoff spot.
Seattle is tied for first place in the NFC West with a record of 6-8. A win over Tampa Bay would go along way towards the Seahawks making the postseason.
The Bucs defense has been torn apart by injuries and they will have to be ready to face veteran Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeack. The 35-year old signal caller has completed 59.8 percent of his passes this year for 2,977 yards with 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
The Seahawks have gotten a good season out of Tampa native Mike Williams with 60 receptions for 720 yards and one touchdown.
The Buccaneers are going to have to lean on their offense with the defense so banged up. Right now the Bucs are enjoying strong play from running back LeGarrette Blount. He has 777 yards rushing with six touchdownds while averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Last week he ran for 110 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.
Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman looks to continue his strong second season against a Seattle defense that on average allows 376.7 yards per game.
The NFL flexed the FOX broadcast of the game to 4:15 on Sunday due to the importance of the game to the playoff chances for each team.
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