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Buccaneers at Cardinals: Five game-changing players for Week 6

By Bailey Adams

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts as a 47-yard interception for a touchdown by defensive back Robert McClain was upheld on review during the second quarter of an NFL football game 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 reacts as a 47-yard interception for a touchdown by defensive back Robert McClain was upheld on review during the second quarter of an NFL football game Chicago Bears on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Kirk Cousins of the Washington Redskins throws the ball up field just before getting hit by Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Cardinals won 31-23. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Kirk Cousins of the Washington Redskins throws the ball up field just before getting hit by Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Cardinals won 31-23. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Chandler Jones

Linebackers could play a huge role in the outcome of this game, but especially when it comes to the Arizona defense. Not only is Chandler Jones having success in stopping the run, but he is also getting to the quarterback very frequently. If there’s anyone in the front seven to be very afraid of, it’s Jones. If he continues to perform like he has been in recent weeks, the Buccaneer offense could have a problem on its hands.

Jones has five run stuffs so far this season in addition to his team-high five sacks. He has recorded a sack in all but one game this year. That should be a concern for Jameis Winston, who has been getting some good protection from his offensive line so far this season. However, if Jones is coming in unchecked on a blitz, it could be a disaster. Not only can he disrupt the pocket on passing plays, but he will be a concern in the run game too.

When Doug Martin returned from his suspension last week, he made an immediate impact on the Tampa Bay rushing attack. He went for 74 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries before the Bucs unwisely went away from the run. If he can get going on Sunday, the offense will have balance. But if Jones can play a part in stopping the run and the offense has to turn to pass only like it did in Minnesota, Arizona will be in a good spot.

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