Buccaneers at Chiefs: Five Game-Changing Players For Week 11

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Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) takes the field prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Vernon Hargreaves III

The Bucs are starting to see their defensive draft picks pay off, with Noah Spence and Vernon Hargreaves stepping up in recent weeks. Last week, VHIII had his best game as a Buc. He was thrown at five times, and only allowed one catch for 13 yards. He is still without an interception this season, but has five passes defended and 42 total tackles (37 solo).

The Chiefs’ roster features some smaller receivers, so Sunday could be a good matchup for the 5-foot-11 Hargreaves. He has put up a couple of solid performances this year against much bigger receivers, so it should be interesting to see him line up against players that are closer to his size. Kansas City’s offense is fairly average, which gives the Tampa Bay defense reasons to be confident. Especially coming off of a big day against the Bears, the Bucs will head into this week looking to stay hot on the defensive side of the ball.

Forcing turnovers was one of the main reasons the Bucs were so effective on defense this past week. Brent Grimes and Chris Conte came up with interceptions, yet Chicago still only went toward Hargreaves five times. He is still finding his footing in the NFL, but he has the ability to come up with some big plays this Sunday. Whether he comes up with a turnover or just holds his man down, the rookie could be a big difference-maker this week.

Next: Buccaneers Won All Three Phases Against Chicago

Who do you think changes the game this Sunday, Bucs fans? Let us know in the comments, on Twitter, or on Facebook.

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