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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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Kendell Beckwith

Without Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander, the Bucs faced a tough situation. What resulted, though, was a pleasant surprise. Rookie Kendell Beckwith has come on strong, perhaps much quicker than expected. He leads the team and all NFL rookies in tackles with 36. The former LSU Tiger now gives Tampa Bay a third very good linebacker capable of stepping in at middle or outside linebacker.

He will be key for the future of this defense, especially when David and Alexander return. If their returns can come on Sunday in Arizona, the Bucs will have a lot of confidence in their run-stopping ability. Without superstar running back David Johnson, the Cardinals are already in a tough spot with their backfield. They just added Adrian Peterson in hopes of remedying that. Leading back Chris Johnson was averaging just 2.5, which played a part in the NFL’s worst rushing attack. The Buccaneer linebackers could really shut down the run this Sunday, which would put a lot of pressure on veteran quarterback Carson Palmer.

Coming off an ACL injury, no one seemed to know how quickly Beckwith could adjust and return to full strength. That process happened more quickly than anyone seemed to expect, and now the rookie is a valuable part of the defensive unit. If he can continue to play his role well, and especially if he can complement the other two if they return, the Tampa Bay defense will give its offense a great chance to win on Sunday.

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