The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers at Vikings: Five game-changing players

By Bailey Adams

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Outside linebacker Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recovers a fumble by quarterback Mike Glennon #8 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Outside linebacker Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recovers a fumble by quarterback Mike Glennon #8 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Lavonte David

With the emergence of Kwon Alexander, it feels like many are overlooking the greatness of Lavonte David. David’s track record not only features some impressive numbers, but also consistency. He seems to always be around the ball, making plays and anchoring the Tampa Bay defense. The Nebraska product may be quiet as far as demeanor goes, but he lets his play on the field do the talking. And boy, can his play speak pretty loudly when he’s at his best.

In week two, the Bucs got vintage Lavonte. He led the team with nine tackles (eight solo) and recovered a fumble. The recovery, by no surprise, came as a result of the sixth-year vet being in the right place at the right time. He was right there to snatch the ball out of the air as Noah Spence forced a sack-fumble. He definitely has a nose for the ball, which has served Tampa Bay well for years.

This Sunday, David can make a big impact against an inconsistent offense. Especially if Sam Bradford is unable to suit up, the Vikings might need to rely heavily on rookie Dalvin Cook and veteran Latavius Murray. Cook was great in a week one win (127 rushing yards), but fell back down a little bit in a week two loss (64 yards). Murray hasn’t had much of a role thus far, but he surely will be in the mix going forward. The key for the Bucs this Sunday is to limit the Viking offense to the arm of an inconsistent Bradford or a mediocre Case Keenum. The Bucs held the Bears to 20 rushing yards last week. If David can help the defense to a similar performance this week, Tampa Bay will love its chances.

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