Buccaneers at Cardinals: Five Game-Changing Players

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter talks with quarterback Jameis Winston (3) in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter talks with quarterback Jameis Winston (3) in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Kwon Alexander

Kwon Alexander took over during the Bucs’ week one matchup in Atlanta. He was all over the field for Tampa Bay, finishing the day with an impressive stat line. He totaled 17 tackles (15 solo) with one sack, and even got props from Pro Football Focus of all people. The second-year linebacker was key in stopping Devonta Freeman, who rushed for just 20 yards on 11 carries. That’s why he can make a huge difference in this week’s game as well.

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David Johnson will be the man to stop on Sunday for the Tampa Bay run defense. Johnson rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries against a tough New England defense, so he will be a challenge for the Bucs this week. He also caught four passes for 43 yards, so like Freeman, he’s a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. That’s where Alexander can be such a game-changer.

Throughout last season, Alexander was a constant force for the Bucs. He got his sophomore season off to a great start against Atlanta, and Tampa Bay will need him to be solid again on Sunday. If he plays a big part in stopping the run, Tampa Bay will be a step closer to holding a tough Arizona offense in check.

Next: Larry Fitzgerald