Buccaneers vs Patriots: Five game-changing players for Week 5

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TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 31: Punter Bryan Anger #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers punts during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Bryan Anger

From Sunday’s “immediate reactions” post:

"Now, there were still some positives on special teams this week. And of course, those were courtesy of the best punter in the world."

Maybe it was a little bit much to call Bryan Anger the best punter in the world. But was it? The veteran’s ability to flip the field is a huge deal for the Bucs. The field position game is huge, which is why Anger is so important. With a defense that is struggling, pinning the Patriots deep in their own territory can only help. The 2012 third-round pick is very clearly capable of doing so, and it helps that the punt coverage team is very good.

So far this year, Anger has punted 11 times, with an average of 46.2 yards per punt. Three have landed inside the 20 and only two have been returned. In those two returns, opponents have totaled just 10 yards. His longest kick of the year came this past Sunday, sending one 62 yards. Any time you can flip a field like that, you’re going to be in good shape.

Next: Yarcho's Pick Six: Buccaneers outlast Giants 25-23

Who do you think will most impact the final score of Thursday’s game, Bucs fans? Let us know in the comments, on Twitter or on Facebook.

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