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Buccaneers vs Seahawks: Five Game-Changing Players

By Bailey Adams

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of an official Wilson football on the sideline at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of an official Wilson football on the sideline at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) celebrates after a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) celebrates after a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Bobby Wagner

With all of the talk about Seattle’s secondary, linebacker Bobby Wagner is sometimes overlooked. The Bucs definitely can’t afford to overlook him this week, as he will figure heavily into stopping Tampa Bay’s run game. Doug Martin found his stride a bit more last week, and will presumably be even healthier this Sunday. Wagner will play a big part for the Seattle defense, both in stopping Martin and also protecting his zone in pass coverage.

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    • Wagner is having another spectacular season in 2016. Through 10 games, he has 108 tackles (58 solo), two and a half sacks, one interception and two pass breakups. He will be one of the best linebackers that Tampa has seen or will see all season long, and it will be difficult to keep him from being a big factor. Because of the success that the Seahawks’ secondary has week in and week out, teams can be more willing to run the ball. If the Bucs choose that route on Sunday, Wagner will be there to stop it.

    Regardless of the run-pass splits, Tampa Bay head coach Dirk Koetter will have to make sure his offense establishes the run. If Wagner steps up and the Bucs struggle to establish any sort of run game, it will swing things in Seattle’s favor.

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