Buccaneers: Five Players that Must Step Up in the Second Half

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Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes (24) gets called for pass interferenceance on Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Brent Grimes

When the Bucs brought Grimes into town, I had concerns, which I talked about here at the Pewter Plank. Yes, he had 26 career interceptions coming into the year, which does constitute a solid career. But, his small stature (5′ 10″) has hurt him over the years. It began to manifest last year a bit in Miami, but Jason Licht was counting on his cover skills to compensate.

However, Brent has looked overmatched for most of the 2016 season so far. Taller receivers like Julio Jones have made him look bad. Pro Football Focus ranks Grimes 27th in the league in pass coverage with a grade of 79.3. He is getting outplayed by a rookie, and that is simply not acceptable.

For the Bucs to have a chance, Grimes is going to have to play closer to his career numbers.

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