Buccaneers at Cardinals: Five Game-Changing Players For Week 2

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Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims (34) reacts with quarterback Jameis Winston (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Charles Sims

Charles Sims rushed four times for nine yards in week one against Atlanta, but don’t let that fool you. He changed the game’s momentum in favor of the Bucs at the end of the first half, taking a short checkdown pass 23 yards for a touchdown to grab a 17-13 lead. It wasn’t your average 23-yard touchdown catch. Sims made a couple of Falcons’ defenders miss before breaking through a few more to get into the end zone. From there, the Bucs took a commanding lead by adding two more touchdowns to start the second half.

While Sims’ numbers won’t stand out on the week one stat sheet, he made a huge difference in the game. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is what makes him such a threat to opposing defenses. That’s why he could change the game this Sunday.

The Arizona defense is one of the toughest that Tampa Bay will face this year. That says a lot, considering the Bucs will also face Denver, Carolina (twice) and Seattle later in the year. Much of the Cardinals’ focus will likely be on Doug Martin and Mike Evans, but Sims can be the x-factor for the Bucs’ offense as they look for an upset.

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