By Andy Villamarzo
Hernando Sun sports writer
TAMPA- New quarterback. New uniforms. New everything it seems like.
The wait is over if you were looking forward to seeing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2020 regular season schedule drop on Thursday evening. The Buccaneers released their schedule at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and to the chagrin of many, the slate doesn’t disappoint whatsoever.
Tampa Bay will have its fair share of primetime games, as the Buccaneers find themselves on national television five times throughout the 2020 season. Start getting used to 4:25 p.m. kickoffs rather than the usual 1 p.m. starts. The Buccaneers are kicking off at 4:25 four times, with one of those matchups coming against the Kansas City Chiefs at home in Week 12.
Tom Brady coming to Tampa Bay might have a lot to do with why you’ll be viewing the Buccaneers on primetime a bit more, as the former New England Patriot brings a bunch of the limelight to the area. Throw in the fact that Rob Gronkowski is also on board with Tampa Bay as well and the Buccaneers make for must-watch television.
Starting off, Brady and the Buccaneers will go on the road in Week 1 and face the New Orleans Saints. Could we see a little bit of Jameis Winston against his old team right in Week 1? With Sean Payton being a play-caller not afraid of mixing it up between all of his quarterbacks, expect to see Winston step onto the field at least once against the Buccaneers.
After a matchup against Drew Brees, Tampa Bay returns back to Raymond James Stadium for its home opener versus Teddy Bridgewater and the Carolina Panthers. Tampa Bay’s first primetime game comes in Week 5 when they will face the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football. Oddsmakers give the Buccaneers the big edge against the Bears, as Chicago now may be in a musical chairs situation at quarterback between incumbent Mitch Trubisky and newly signed Nick Foles.
Amongst the other noticeable primetime games that the Buccaneers have are a Sunday Night Football game versus the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7 at the brand new Allegiant Stadium, followed by a Monday Night Football road matchup versus the New York Giants and then in Week 9 a Sunday night game against the Saints.
The Buccaneers having five primetime games equals the most for any other club in the NFL. Three primetime games in three weeks for Tampa Bay, who would’ve ever thought. Down below is Tampa Bay’s full slate of games for the 2020 campaign.
Week 1: at New Orleans Saints
Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week 3: at Denver Broncos
Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Week 5: at Chicago Bears (Thursday Night Football)
Week 6: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 7: at Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday Night Football)
Week 8: at New York Giants (Monday Night Football)
Week 9: vs. New Orleans Saints (Sunday Night Football)
Week 10: at Carolina Panthers
Week 11: Los Angeles Rams (Monday Night Football)
Week 12: Kansas City Chiefs
Week 13: BYE WEEK
Week 14: Minnesota Vikings
Week 15: at Atlanta Falcons
Week 16: at Detroit Lions
Week 17: Atlanta Falcons
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @avillamarzo.
