Buccaneers at Bills: Five game-changing players for Week 7

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks at his play card during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks at his play card during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Outside linebacker Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with teammates after scoring on a 21 yard fumble recovery against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Outside linebacker Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with teammates after scoring on a 21 yard fumble recovery against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Lavonte David

His return from injury was overshadowed by a poor first half performance by the entire defense, but it was great to have Lavonte David back. In his sixth season, David continuously finds ways to provide a spark for the Buccaneer defense. This past Sunday, that spark came from a fumble return for a touchdown that pulled Tampa Bay closer to a comeback. He is notorious for making big plays, but his consistency on a play-to-play basis is also huge.

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We looked at the impact that LeSean McCoy could have on Sunday’s game. As part of Tampa Bay’s fantastic group of linebackers, it will partly be up to David to stop the run. If Kwon Alexander is back this week, that will only help. But either way, David will be a huge factor for the Buccaneer defense. His leadership isn’t necessarily the type that is loud, but it sure feels loud as far as impact goes. He changes the defense when he’s in the game, and his second full game back from an ankle injury should be even better than his first.

David has the seventh-most tackles on the team. Yeah, even in two fewer games than most of the rest of the defense, he is that high up there. The Nebraska product has forced two fumbles, recovered two and has a touchdown this season. He is always flying to the ball and making an impact. There’s no doubt that he is anxious for his first sack of the year. Maybe that will come this Sunday. But it’s almost a certainty that Lavonte will be a major part of Tampa Bay’s defensive effort.

Who do you think can change the game this Sunday, Bucs fans? Let us know in the comments, on

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