Brady, Buccaneers look to build momentum against struggling Steelers in Pittsburgh

After three straight home games, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head back out on the road in Week 6 for a date with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Here are the top storylines for Sunday’s game:

Bucs have been Road Warriors

The Bucs have yet to lose on the road this season, despite opening up their 2022 campaign with back-to-back games away from home. After beating the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints on the road to start the year, Tampa Bay dropped two of its last three games, all in front of the home crowd. Much like they did on their way to a Super Bowl win back in 2020, the Bucs are proving to be more than capable of overcoming hostile environments, and leaving their opponents’ stadiums with victories.

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Bucs, Steelers have rarely played through the years

These two teams haven’t played much throughout their histories, and when they have, things haven’t gone well for the Bucs. Tampa Bay has only beaten Pittsburgh twice out of the 11 times they’ve faced one another, most recently in 2014. The Steelers were even one of the few teams to beat the Bucs in 2002, when Tampa Bay won its first Super Bowl. On paper, the Bucs certainly look to have the upper hand in this matchup, but history says the Steelers won’t go away quietly.

Bucs hurting on defense with Hicks, Murphy-Bunting, Ryan out

The Bucs have already ruled out three players for Sunday’s game, all of them on defense. Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (foot), cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (quad) and defensive back Logan Ryan (foot) are all out, while safety Mike Edwards (elbow) will be a game-time decision. The Steelers’ secondary has been decimated by injuries, as they’ll be without star safety and former Dolphin Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee), as well as three other members of that unit. Pittsburgh tight end Pat Freiermuth has also been ruled out (concussion).

Matchups to Watch

Steelers DL Cameron Heyward vs. Bucs’ interior OL

Heyward is one of the most consistently dominant interior defenders in the NFL, and the Bucs will be relying on a group of newcomers to keep him away from Tom Brady on Sunday. Rookie left guard Luke Goedeke and center Robert Hainsey hadn’t started an NFL game before this season. While right guard Shaq Mason has plenty of experience, he’s still building chemistry with his new teammates after an offseason trade.

Bucs’ linebackers vs. Steelers RB Najee Harris

Harris hasn’t quite lived up to the high expectations he set last year as a rookie, but he’s still a dynamic, three-down back who can impact the game as both a runner and a receiver. Thankfully for the Bucs, they have one of the NFL’s best and most athletic linebacker tandems in Lavonte David and Devin White, which should make for a compelling matchup against Harris’ versatile skill set.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles vs. Steelers QB Kenny Pickett

A rookie quarterback faces tough odds every week in the NFL, but going up against one of the best defensive coordinators in the league should present a particularly difficult challenge for Pickett, the No. 20 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. Bowles is one of the league’s best at dialing up complex blitzes, coverages and other defensive packages, which could have Pickett’s head spinning while trying to survive behind a struggling offensive line.

Prediction

It’s been a rough start for the Steelers, but coming off an embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Bills, don’t be surprised if they put up a valiant fight in front of their home crowd. The Bucs looked dominant for three quarters last week against the Falcons, but faltered in the fourth quarter, and barely escaped with the victory. Both teams should look better this week, but Tampa Bay is simply far more talented on both sides of the ball, and they have the GOAT at quarterback.

Bucs 33, Steelers 16.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Tampa Bay Buccaneers play at Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. on Sunday