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Which Missing Buccaneers’ Player Must Step Up?

By Alan Schechter

Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is swarmed by the Arizona Cardinals defense during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is swarmed by the Arizona Cardinals defense during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) during pre game warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Buccaneers, 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) during pre game warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Buccaneers, 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

James Yarcho

It has to be Vincent Jackson. I spoke about this Wednesday here on the site and spoke about it on The PewterCast this week. Vincent Jackson, thus far, looks disinterested and emotionally removed from the game.

Now, Jackson has said all the right things this week – he’s working hard, feels great, feels like he’s playing at a high level, no chemistry issues with Jameis – but we have to see it. And with the loss of Doug Martin to injury and Austin Seferian-Jenkins to stupidity, the Bucs are facing a must win situation and in dire need of a reliable weapon to step up.

We all love VJax and want to see him play like the guy we’ve known for the last four seasons. On the surface, it appears he still believes he is that player and things will be just fine. However, if there were ever a time for Jackson to snap out of this game day funk, it’s Sunday. It doesn’t matter how impressive he is on the practice field when it’s not translating to Sunday.

I told everyone I hoped I was overreacting, that VJax would do what we’re accustomed to seeing and shut me up. Well, the Bucs need him to do that this Sunday if they’re going to overcome so many lost offensive weapons.

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