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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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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: Noah Spence #57 and Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate after a failed two-point conversion attempt by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 17-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: Noah Spence #57 and Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate after a failed two-point conversion attempt by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 17-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Bailey Adams

If the Buccaneers win in Minnesota, it will be because they found a way to stop the run once again.

Last week, the only real way the Bears were going to win was if they could get Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen going.

They were unable to do so, mustering up just 20-rushing yards. That led to an easy Tampa Bay win, even with Chicago quarterback Mike Glennon throwing for 301-yards.

If the Buccaneer defense has a similar approach this Sunday against the Vikings, chances are, it will yield a similar result.

Must Read: Key Plays vs Bears

Now, Minnesota is much better than Chicago. However, its offense is currently in a tough situation when it comes to the man under center.

Sam Bradford started week one and shredded a bad Saints secondary. He missed week two with an injury, which led to Case Keenum getting the start.

Keenum didn’t deliver, and it’s unclear whether Bradford will make it back in time for week three.

Regardless of whether or not he can suit up, Tampa Bay limiting the Minnesota offense to one dimension is a huge key.

Rookie Dalvin Cook and veteran Latavius Murray will be tough to stop, but if the Bucs can keep them in check, things will be a lot easier.

Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph are great weapons in the passing game, but if the Vikings can’t complement them with the run, they will be far less dangerous.

I don’t think Keenum can beat the Bucs without the run game carrying much of the load. I’m not even sure if Bradford can, should he play.

So, for the Bucs, stopping the run must be the priority.

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