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Buccaneers: Grading the Bucs’ 2017 Week 8 loss to Carolina

By Philip Schwegler

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way off the field following the Buccaneers' 17-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers at an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way off the field following the Buccaneers' 17-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers at an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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: Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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) /

With Brent Grimes and Robert McClain sidelined with injuries on Sunday, Vernon Hargreaves played back on the outside and Javien Elliott handled most of the nickel position.

Last week the Buccaneers had Hargraves play in the nickel position and it did wonders for his play. After having a pretty terrible start, Hargraves has shown more confidence these past two weeks.

Hargreaves did not allow much to receivers this week and played much more physical. This is the Hargreaves we want on the team. A lock down back that can handle the number one receiver week in and week out.

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Another defensive rookie was making some noise this past Sunday in Justin Evans. Evans got his first start against the Patriots and hasn’t looked back since. His overall play has been good for a rookie. There’s still simple mistakes that he makes, but overall he seems to be finding his way into the line up permanently.

Ryan Smith had himself a pretty imppressive game. One play that stood out is the deep ball from Newton that if he jumped just a point of a second later, the ball would’ve been intercepted. He’s found his speed when it comes to playing man defense and plays well against the 50-50 balls.

Fan favorite Chris Conte almost had a career outing against Carolina. He finished the day with eight tackles and the Bucs lone turnover.

Not much from T.J. Ward this week. There’s still parts of his game that we haven’t seen that he is noted for. Communication has been somewhat of a cause for the failures on defense and it happens to effect the defensive backfield more than any other position.

This group lead the defense with tackles this week. Something that the Bucs should stay away from.

Grade: C+

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