Buccaneers: Five players to watch versus Cleveland

In the upcoming pre-season game this Saturday, the Buccaneers take on the Cleveland Browns at home in Raymond James. Who are some players to watch?

As the Buccaneers prepare to take on the Cleveland Browns, which five players do we have our eyes on to potentially make a big impact – both in the game and heading into the roster cuts for the final 53-man roster?

RB- Jacquizz Rodgers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought in Jacquizz Rodgers off the streets last season towards the beginning of the 2016 campaign in order to relieve the issues of the run game. Like a knight in shining armor, Rodgers burst onto the seen like never before. The then 6-year-pro ran for 460 yards with around 4.3 yards per carry for the Bucs and lead the teams running game through the year.

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Unfortunately for Rodgers in 2017, Doug Martin will come back to the team healthy and with a chip on his shoulder once he returns from what is left of his four game suspension. In order for Rodgers to solidify himself as a top back during the absence of Martin, Rodgers needs to show case his talents once again in Cleveland this week.

“We haven’t decided how we are going to split up the game yet,” Rodgers said. “So, hopefully, I can get more touches and get going,” Rodgers explained to  JoeBucsFan.com.

Expect a big week for Rodgers with plenty of attempts.

WR- Chris Godwin

If any Buc has stood out this training camp among the rest, it has been rookie wide receiver Chris Godwin. Not only has Godwin stepped in with the ones and competed day in and day out, he has even brought shock to his franchise quarterback.

“Man, Chris Godwin is amazing,” Winston is quoted as saying.

High praise for the young rook, and the week of the Browns is his time to shine. Due to the fact that superstar receiver Mike Evans has been held out of practice for quite some time this week, the thought is that he may have this game off, or will have limited snaps. This lets Godwin step into Evan’s role and provide him with some much needed experience/targets.

Watch for Godwin to show up with a big performance versus the team from Cleveland this week. It is time to prove that practice makes perfect.

LB-Adarius Glanton

Much like Godwin, Adarius Glanton receives a blessing with the injury to starting superstar MIKE linebacker Kwon Alexander. Luckily for the Bucs, Kwon’s injury is far from serious… but it does open the door for Glanton to receive some much needed action.

Glanton, who has seen most of his time on special teams has seen his role increase this week during training camp. The usual back-up linebacker was promoted to the first team this week and looks to be in prime position for three quarters worth of action Saturday night.

For a team that has a multitude of impressive young linebackers, Glanton will use Saturday’s game to provide no doubt that he is worthy of the fifth linebacker spot on the Bucs’ 53-man roster come September.

Quite simply, Glanton does his job no matter when it is called upon. The versatile linebacker should see plenty of opportunities this week, does he make the most of it?

OL- Kevin Pamphile

This weeks version of Five Players to Watch is brought to you by pre-season minor injuries. Much like the two players listed above who will see more action than expected versus the Browns, offensive Kevin Pamphile sees himself in a new role.

The typical starting left guard for your Bucs has been pushed out to right tackle during this week of practice to fill the role of the injured veteran Demar Dotson. Dotson, who is suffering from a minor groin injury, will be rested this week… which leaves the door open for Pamphile to gain experience as the starting right tackle.

Although Dotson has played well for the Bucs over the years, his age is a number that fans should take note of.

When Pamphile was drafted as a tackle back in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft, he saw most of his action as book ends for the Bucs and was expected to take over for Dotson once the time came. Now Pamphile is a starting guard for the Bucs, but that does not mean the plan has strayed from course.

Pamphile, the swiss army knife, has played successfully on the edge of the line before… expect that to continue tonight.

DE- Noah Spence

The pride and joy of Bucs’ legend Simeon Rice is beginning to look like what has was drafted to be. “Gumby” as Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith calls him, has shown over training camp that he is almost too fast to block in pass protection. Noah Spence has continued to the lay the blocks of his foundation in the NFL, but now needs to prove he is capable of double digit sacks.

Based upon practice tape, Spence has abused tackles with both speed and power during practice… now it is time for it to show on the field. Whether Spence goes up against the best left tackle in NFL history in Joe Thomas, or he plays against a back-up, production needs to begin.

The young defensive end has been relatively invisible this pre-season, so if there is any game Spence will make his mark, tonight is the night that changes.

Will Spence make his mark? Tune in tonight when the Bucs go up against a rookie starter in Deshone Kizer and the Browns.

Next: Bucs set to face rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer

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