Buccaneers at Chargers: Five Game-Changing Players

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag waved by fans 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 a Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag waved by fans at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) in the field during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) in the field during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Casey Hayward

While the Chargers’ defense has somewhat struggled against the pass this year, Casey Hayward is still having a big season. He currently leads the NFL with six interceptions, and has racked up 48 tackles (41 solo). The fifth-year corner also has 16 passes defended, which is the most in the league and one ahead of Tampa Bay’s own Brent Grimes. Although it’s likely that the Bucs will focus a lot on throwing the ball this Sunday, they need to be careful when throwing in Hayward’s direction.

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With the First Pick

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  • Last week, Tampa Bay shredded the Seattle secondary early, but eventually ran into some trouble. The two early touchdowns were all that Jameis Winston had, although he was very efficient on the day. He completed 21 of his 28 attempts, which made for a 75 percent completion percentage. That percentage is the highest of his career, and it came against a very good (although injured) secondary. As a result, he should have a lot of confidence heading into this week’s matchup on the West Coast. That could be a great thing, but also a bad one if he has too much confidence.

    Hayward can obviously make some big plays, so Winston will have to be smart about throwing his way. That may be a challenge, as the young quarterback is known for his gun-slinging style. He sometimes falls victim to himself by forcing throws when they aren’t there. If he can’t dial back that tendency on Sunday, Hayward could be there waiting to make a big play. If the Vanderbilt product can do that, it might give San Diego the edge in what could be a close game.