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Buccaneers Round table: How the Bucs will beat Minnesota in 2017 Week 3

By David Harrison

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Defensive back Robert McClain #36 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs into the end zone followed by teammates cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 on his 47-yard interception for a touchdown 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: Defensive back Robert McClain #36 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs into the end zone followed by teammates cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 on his 47-yard interception for a touchdown 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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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes against Artie Burns #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on September 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes against Artie Burns #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on September 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Brian DeFeo

Why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to win in Minnesota is because of the run defense.

While Sam Bradford or Case Keenum aren’t in the top tier of quarterbacks, rookie running back Dalvin Cook is in the top-three for rushing yards this season.

The Buccaneers defense held the Bears strong rushing attack to 20-yards combined between Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen.

The Vikings have another tandem of running backs that have game breaking potential on each carry. Cook was definitely a candidate for the Bucs to draft this off-season, but O.J. Howard was the better prospect.

With Cook in the backfield, the game may rest on the shoulders of rookie linebacker Kendall Beckwith. Kwon Alexander and LaVonte David went down in week two with injuries, and while they are expected to play they might not be at 100%.

Mike Smith may have to rely on Beckwith to have a repeat performance. While Beckwith might be fine on his own having two of the top tier linebackers in the NFL, Gerald McCoy also looked as good as ever and the line was definitely a factor in stopping the run.

Don’t forget about the thumper in the secondary, T.J. Ward who made his presence felt.

Must Read: Bucs vs Vikings Game Changers

While the Vikings offense isn’t top five in the league they are definitely better than the Bears. The Buccaneers can handle the quarterback well they just need to continue to contain the ground game.

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