The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: 6 Storylines to Watch during the Third Preseason Game

By Jerry Stalheim

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 26: Quarterback Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets pressure from linebacker Demario Davis of the Cleveland Browns and defensive back Ibraheim Campbell as he throws a pass during the second quarter of an NFL game on August 26, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 26: Quarterback Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets pressure from linebacker Demario Davis of the Cleveland Browns and defensive back Ibraheim Campbell as he throws a pass during the second quarter of an NFL game on August 26, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 04: Melvin Gordon #28 of the San Diego Chargers reacts after scoring a touchdown as Javien Elliott #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the first half of a game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 4, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 04: Melvin Gordon #28 of the San Diego Chargers reacts after scoring a touchdown as Javien Elliott #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the first half of a game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 4, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Nickel Corner Competition

On August 23rd Coach Koetter was asked during a presser if the nickel cornerback competition had been won by anyone yet and he had this to say:
“No. No, that job is wide open.”

Wide open still, with two weeks until the start of the regular season? Those of you who are unaware it was a three man race until incumbent Jude Adjei-Barimah went down with a fractured patella earlier in training camp, so now it is just down to UDFA from last season Javien Elliot and free agent signing this season Robert McClain.

Robert McClain started the first preseason game against the Bengals making five tackles while Elliot started the second game against the Jaguars and proceeded to make zero tackles while playing basically the entire first half.

McClain is the wiley veteran who has been in the league since 2010 playing mainly with the Falcons, but starting in six games last season with the Panthers and Chargers making a total of 34 tackles and one pass defended.

While Elliot is the inexperienced free agent who came to the Buccaneers last season playing in six games (starting one) while making ten tackles and one pass defended.

Elliot and McClain has both played very well as the nickel corner in training camp and are neck and neck in the race, so this race will continue maybe into game four of preseason.

My guess is that whoever gets the start against the Browns is likely the favorite to win the job but again if they are uncertain the battle will continue against the Redskins.

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