PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles have long struggled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and history looms large as the two teams meet again in an NFC clash in Tampa. Philadelphia has lost two straight games in the city and four of its past five matchups there.

The Buccaneers seem to have the Eagles’ number, especially when it comes to Jalen Hurts. Across five games against Tampa Bay, Hurts has totaled just nine touchdowns against six turnovers, including playoff contests. He’s faced a blitz on 45% of his dropbacks versus the Bucs, completing only 53% of passes for 4.8 yards per attempt. That explains why 17% of Hurts’ career losses as a starting quarterback have come against Tampa Bay — even with an overall 49-20 record.

To adjust to the Florida heat, the Eagles arrived a day early, as temperatures are expected to reach 89 degrees with a 50% chance of rain on Sunday.

“I don’t care. It ain’t got nothing to do with me,” wide receiver A.J. Brown said regarding the team’s early arrival and past struggles in Tampa. “We have a job to go out there and do. We gotta play fast and play our style of football. What’s done in the past is done.”

Where to Watch:

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 28

• Time: 1 p.m. ET

• Location: Raymond James Stadium — Tampa, FL

• TV: Fox | Stream: Fubo | Follow: CBS Sports App

• Odds: Eagles -3.5; O/U 44.5 (FanDuel)

Eagles on Offense

Philadelphia is looking to get its passing game going after finally unleashing it during last week’s comeback win over the Rams. The challenge? Opponents have been stacking the box to slow Saquon Barkley. Through three games, the Eagles have faced an eight-man box on 32.3% of running plays, the third-highest rate in the NFL.

Barkley has carried the ball 58 times for 194 yards, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry, with no runs over 20 yards. Early passing could help stretch the defense and open lanes for him.

“They’re trying to take Barkley away, and we have to help him out,” said Brown. “We need to get the passing game going to help the run game. We gotta take advantage of what we have.”

Buccaneers on Offense

Tampa Bay will be without Mike Evans, sidelined with a hamstring injury, but rookie Emeka Egbuka has stepped up as the team’s primary offensive threat. He leads all Buccaneers players in receiving yards (181) and touchdowns (3) through three games.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield has completed 66.7% of passes to Egbuka, yielding a 133.1 passer rating. Egbuka will be key as the Bucs’ deep threat, especially with Chris Godwin expected to return soon.

Prediction

Tampa Bay has historically dominated the Eagles in the Nick Sirianni era, with the only Philadelphia win coming in a game where they rushed for 201 yards and built a 22-3 lead. To avoid a repeat, the Eagles must start fast, getting Brown and DeVonta Smith involved early.

Hurts has performed well under pressure, going 18 of 30 for 168 yards against the blitz this season with a touchdown and no interceptions (86.5 rating). With a full complement of receivers, the Eagles have the weapons to finally exorcise their Tampa demons in this matchup.