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Buccaneers: Five Bucs to watch in week nine vs. the Saints

By Sean Eck

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch over Sterling Moore #24 of the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch over Sterling Moore #24 of the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – AUGUST 17: Dawuane Smoot of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts to run past Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a preseason game at EverBank Field on August 17, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – AUGUST 17: Dawuane Smoot of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts to run past Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a preseason game at EverBank Field on August 17, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Donovan Smith

Donovan Smith has not played up to expectations this year as the blindside protector for Jameis Winston. Smith is currently ranked as the 54th best offensive tackle in the NFL grading out at a paultry 46.2. While Smith has yet to miss a game in his NFL tenure it might not be a bad idea for the Buccaneers to explore other options. For someone that has the job of protecting a franchise quarterback Smith seems overwhelmed.

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    • Even with the poor play of Smith, the Bucs offensive line has only given up thirteen sacks to opposing defenses this season. The Buccaneers have also excelled in the passing game as far as yards per game, trailing just the defending Super Bowl Champion Patriots in that category.

    Donovan and the Bucs offensive line have to hold this week against the weak pass rush of the Saints to have any chance. The Saints only have seven sacks on the season which is 32nd and just four interceptions, which is tied for 24th in the league.

    Cameron Jordan will be the key player to watch for against Smith as Jordan has recorded 52 career sacks in only his seventh season in the NFL. Jordan only trails last weeks opponent Julius Peppers in most consecutive games played by a defensive end with 103 games in a row. Smith will have to hold his ground and give Winston time to pick the secondary of the Saints apart as well as get some push to give Martin and the Buccaneers running back some space to operate.

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