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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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Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a touchdown pass as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes (24) defends during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a touchdown pass as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes (24) defends during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Alan Schechter

The Bucs’ secondary was bad in 2015. We know that and things and to change. Jason Licht made wholesale changes to this group in order to turn the fortunes around and bring the pass defense up to the level of the run defense. That hasn’t happened so far, as the Bucs are ranked 28th in pass defense so far this season, and quarterbacks have thrown for a passer rating of 113.3.

Leading the way so far is a guy who has been disappointing, Brent Grimes.

Grimes was known as a player that could make a play on the ball despite his small stature. We have not seen it so far. He has had a tough time with two of the league’s very best in Julio Jones and Larry Fitzgerald. Each scored a touchdown in their matchup with Grimes, and though they both posted under 100 yards, Jones and Fitzgerald posted 66 and 77 yards respectively. Grimes needs to lead this young secondary, and he struggles to keep up. Sunday is a good time to turn things around.

Next: Jameis Will Get Better With Hard Work and Experience

Who do you think most needs to step up?

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