Joe Burrow and Bengals prepare for Buccaneers blitz heavy defense in Week 1

The Cincinnati Bengals face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Week 1 matchup characterized by a clash between Joe Burrow and a high-frequency blitz scheme. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles utilizes a blitz-heavy approach, sending extra rushers on 37.7% of defensive snaps during his tenure. Data from the previous season indicates Burrow maintained a 71.4% completion rate against the blitz with an average of 8.3 yards per attempt and a 122.6 passer rating. Additionally, Burrow earned a 72.9 grade from Pro Football Focus when under pressure during the team's final 11 games. The Bengals integrated more under-center play-action concepts during the offseason, potentially creating further complications for a Buccaneers defense that struggled with explosive plays on 27.7% of such snaps last year. The teams meet Sunday to see if Tampa Bay maintains its aggressive defensive strategy.

• 6:01 PMYahoo Sports — Joe Burrow’s numbers against the blitz could spell trouble for Bucs