Keys To Cannon Fire: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts

This is a must-win game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Indianapolis Colts as they surge to make a late-season run. The players have talking all week about how they control their own destiny, well they will need to show they want it more in what will be a raucous Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Buccaneers head into Sunday's matchup with the Colts down several key players on the defensive side of the ball. Already ruled out from the contest are corner Jamel Dean and linebacker and captain Lavonte David. Linebacker Devin White and corner Carlton Davis are game-time decisions, while defensive tackle Mike Greene was a late scratch with an illness.

It's going to be a grind for the Bucs to win this game down so many key players, but if they follow these "Keys to Cannon Fire" they should get their season back on track with a victory.

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Communication Is Key

The Bucs could be starting a ton of rookie and second-year players on defense with the likes of linebacker SirVocea Dennis, corners Zyon McCollum and Josh Hayes and safety Kaevon Merriweather. That list also includes Christian Izein who has been the starter in the slot all season. Four of the five defensive backs will all have less than two years of playing experience leaving Antoine Winfield Jr the only true veteran in the secondary.

Making sure everyone knows their assignments and coverages will be a tall task in stopping a Colts passing attack that can get vertical. The communication on every play will be critical to ensure everyone is lined up properly. Third-year linebacker K.J. Britt will likely be calling the defense if White can't go.

Pass, Pass, Pass

The Bucs running game is not it. They are 32nd in the league in yards per game and starter Rachaad White is dealing with a knee issue. While the Colts are 25th in the league in rushing yards allowed, now is not the time to press the issue.

Tampa Bay has found success when passing the ball nearly all season and that needs to be the game plan against the Colts who are averaging 229 yards per game through the air. Mike Evans is on the verge of another 1,000 yard season and Godwin hasn't dropped a pass all season. Get those two involved early and continue to build the connection with Trey Palmer.

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With Rakim Jarrett on injured reserve we'll get our first look at David Moore. The Bucs will need to lean heavily on its passing game if they want to secure a victory against the Colts. Baker MAyfield needs to be smart with his decisions though as Indianapolis' secondary has 11 interceptions this season.

Don't Add An Extra Opponent Into The Mix

The Bucs have been playing three teams in most of their games this season. Their scheduled opponent, the refs, and themselves. That can't happen if they want to win on Sunday. Penalties, mental mistakes, and blown assignments will be the bane of the Buccaneers if they lose this game.

Communication will be key along the offensive line in a loud environment to avoid pre-snap penalties. Route running will be paramount and getting the ball out quick to receivers in space will be key to avoid holding calls.

Defensively know your assignment. How many times have we seen busted coverages because defenders didn't know who to pick up on the switch. Get back to basics on tackling, wrap ball carriers up. Being in position to make the tackle only to take a bad angle or go for the "hit stick' has hurt the team more times than I can count.

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.

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